Preparing for your Puppy
Congratulations! You're about to welcome a Timber Creek puppy into your home—and we couldn't be more excited for you.
Whether this is your first puppy or your fifth, we know those first few weeks can feel overwhelming. That's why we've put together this complete guide with all our best tips, tricks, and must-have essentials.
From shopping lists to potty training schedules, we've got you covered. Let's get you ready!
Quick Links
Puppy Prep
Your Complete Shopping List
Getting ready for puppy pickup day? Stock up on these essentials so you can focus on what really matters. Here's everything you'll need to make those first weeks smooth, safe, and full of puppy snuggles.
Your Must-Have Checklist
✓ High-quality puppy food (1-2 cans of soft dog food)
✓ Healthy training treats
✓ Stainless steel food & water bowls (shallow, non-tipping)
✓ Puppy toothbrush & toothpaste
✓ ID tags with your contact info
✓ No-pull puppy harness (XS)
✓ Breakaway collar
✓ 4-6 foot leash
✓ Puppy-safe shampoo & deodorizer spray
✓ Grooming brush, fine comb & grooming scissors
✓ Towels and blow dryer
✓ Non-toxic chew toys & puzzle toys
✓ Clean up supplies like stain remover and baby wipes
✓ Potty pads
✓ Soft bed or orthopedic crate pad
✓ Exercise pen or playpen
✓ House training crate (24"-26" with divider panel)
Our Top Picks
We've hand-selected our absolute must-haves to get you started. These are the products we use, trust, and recommend to every puppy family!
Everfront Play Pen
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High-quality nutrition from day one
What We Feed Our Puppies
We believe healthy puppies start with great food. That's why we feed all our puppies Life's Abundance and recommend it to every puppy family we meet.
Why We Love Life's Abundance:
No corn, wheat, or gluten
Fresh home delivery (never sits in a warehouse for months)
Pre and probiotics for healthy digestion
High in protein and healthy fats
Zero recalls in company history
All Life Stages formula means no food transitions as your puppy grows
Don't Forget Training Treats!
Our 100% natural treat bundle includes 5 packages of treats for training and rewarding good behavior. Includes a combination of chicken hearts, chicken liver, beef liver, and salmon—all the flavors your puppy will love.
$25 (+ $4.99 shipping)
Essential guides to help you and your puppy thrive
The First Few Weeks: What You Need to Know
Puppy Help Sheet
That first week sets the tone for everything! Learn how to help your puppy adjust. We break down the complete feeding schedule, portions sizes. We also have the puppies schedule for you to refer back to. How to puppy-proof your home,
what to expect during the acclimation period, and how to introduce them to their new environment (and new family members!) without overwhelming them or you.
Puppy 2.0
(one to two weeks after coming home)
Well, you have settled into your new normal! Let's take it to the next level. Puppy 2.0 is your schedule when things are a little more settled. New schedule gives us a little more time between potty times. Learning new words and exploring their new forever home. Life is good and Puppy 2.0 just keeps us on track!
Fresh advice, training hacks, and updates from our family
Dive Deeper: More Puppy Tips & Stories
We're always sharing new tips, tricks, and puppy stories on our blog!
Books, programs, and products we stand behind
Recommended Resources:
Tools We Trust
Books We Recommend
My Smart Puppy by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
How to Train Your Dog to Come by Sarah Wilson
The Loved Dog by Tamar Geller
Online Training
Baxter & Bella Online Puppy School
Lifetime professional support, step-by-step courses, and a family-friendly approach. Perfect for first-time puppy parents!
They have many helpful YouTube videos and a free Podcast, or you can purchase their membership.
Use code TIMBERCREEKPUPPIES to save 25%!
Bringing home a puppy is exciting—and we're with you every step of the way
Questions? We’re Here to Help!
From the day you apply to long after your puppy comes home, we're here to answer questions, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate milestones with you. That's what family does.
