Paw Privileges
Paw Privileges

The PAW Library · Puppy Guide

The New Puppy Checklist

Everything Canadian families need before bringing a puppy home — supplies, home setup, nutrition, vet care, training, and socialization, in one place.

Plan Your Next Adventure with Paw Rewards

Ready to turn inspiration into your next unforgettable adventure?

With Paw Rewards, you can do far more than simply discover dog-friendly destinations—you can plan your entire journey.

Use our Pawtastic Vacation Planner to uncover dog-friendly hotels, parks, beaches, cafés, attractions, and hidden gems across Canada, then save your favourite destinations and build your perfect itinerary for you and your dog.

But the adventure doesn't stop there.

Every walk, every road trip, every hiking trail, and every memory you create can help you earn rewards.

Track your adventures, participate in seasonal challenges, compete with friends and fellow dog lovers, and collect Treats throughout your journeys. Your adventures can then be redeemed for incredible rewards including:

  • 🐾 Puppy Packs
  • 🐾 Annual subscriptions to PAWS Magazine
  • 🐾 Products from Big Country Raw
  • 🐾 Seasonal Gift Boxes
  • 🐾 Exclusive partner offers and prizes from our amazing partners

Because every adventure should be celebrated.

Join Paw Rewards

Home setup

Puppy-proof every room before pickup day so day one is calm, not chaotic.

  • Crate sized to your puppy's adult breed (with divider for growth)
  • Exercise pen or gated area in a low-traffic room
  • Non-slip mats over hardwood or tile
  • Soft washable bedding (skip stuffed beds until chewing settles)
  • Outlet covers, cord protectors, baby gates at stairs
  • Secure trash bins; medications and houseplants out of reach
  • Designated potty spot outside (and pee pads for overnight if apartment)

Daily supplies

The everyday gear your puppy will actually use in the first 12 weeks home.

  • Two stainless or ceramic bowls (water + food)
  • Flat collar with ID tag (name + your phone)
  • 4–6 ft leash plus a longer 15 ft training line
  • Well-fitted Y-front harness for walks
  • Poop bags + holder
  • Enzymatic cleaner for accidents (avoid ammonia)
  • Grooming basics: soft brush, puppy shampoo, nail clippers or grinder, dog toothbrush + paste

Nutrition

Stick to what your breeder fed for at least 2 weeks, then transition slowly.

  • 2-week supply of the food your breeder uses (raw, fresh, or premium)
  • Measuring cup or kitchen scale for accurate portions
  • Single-ingredient training treats (freeze-dried liver, salmon)
  • Long-lasting safe chews appropriate for puppy teeth
  • Lick mat + puppy-safe topper for calming routines
  • Fresh filtered water available at all times

Health & vet care

Book the first appointment before you bring puppy home.

  • Vet appointment scheduled within 72 hours of pickup
  • Copy of vaccination + deworming records from your breeder
  • Microchip registered in your name
  • Pet insurance quoted and enrolled (Petsecure is our Canadian partner)
  • Tick prevention plan discussed with your vet for your region
  • Emergency vet clinic phone number saved in your phone
  • Puppy first-aid kit (gauze, vet wrap, styptic powder, digital thermometer)

Training & socialization

The first 16 weeks shape the dog you'll live with for the next 15 years.

  • Reputable positive-reinforcement puppy class booked
  • Clicker or marker word chosen (and used consistently)
  • Daily 'new things' list: surfaces, sounds, people, calm dogs
  • Crate training plan — short, positive sessions multiple times a day
  • Potty schedule posted on the fridge (every 1–2 hours awake)
  • Name + recall games started on day one
  • Handling practice: paws, ears, mouth, tail — paired with treats

Paperwork & people

The administrative side that's easy to forget in the excitement.

  • Breeder contract reviewed and filed
  • Municipal dog licence applied for
  • Trusted dog walker, sitter, or boarding option researched
  • Family rules agreed on: who feeds, who walks, who trains
  • Photos + journal started for your Memory Pack

Make it official

Save every memory from day one

The PAW Privileges Memory Pack is built to capture the firsts — first night home, first walk, first vet visit — alongside the partner products your breeder already trusts.

Explore the Memory Pack Create your account

Start Your Next Adventure

Love discovering dog-friendly places like this?

Join Paw Rewards and use our Pawtastic Vacation Planner to plan your next trip, discover dog-friendly destinations across Canada, track your adventures, compete in challenges, and earn Treats for every walk and every memory you create together.

Redeem your Treats for rewards including Puppy Packs, PAWS Magazine subscriptions, Big Country Raw products, Seasonal Boxes, and exclusive offers from our amazing partners.

Because every adventure deserves a reward.

Join Paw Rewards

pawrewards.com

New Puppy Checklist — Essentials for Bringing Home a Puppy in Canada

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