Bringing Panda home was more than just preparing for a puppy — it was preparing our hearts for a new family member. I remember standing in our living room thinking, are we actually ready for this?
In a season where we needed comfort the most, this tiny soul somehow found his way into our lives at exactly the right time. I did not just want to “get ready” for a puppy — I wanted to create a space that felt safe, calm, and full of love from the very first moment he entered our home.
So, I did what I always do: I researched, I planned, and (let us be honest) I ordered quite a few things from Amazon via Julie’s brilliant recommendations.
And today, I am sharing exactly what we used, what worked, and what I would recommend to anyone preparing for a puppy.
🚗 Bringing Panda Home Safely
Before Panda ever stepped into our home, there was one thing we had to think about first — how to bring him home safely. We had a 6 hour car drive home with him.
I quickly realized that holding a tiny Shih Tzu in your arms during a car ride is not only stressful, but also not the safest option. Thus, we made sure to have a secure and comfortable space just for him.
Having a proper car seat gave us peace of mind from the very beginning — and honestly, it made Panda feel so much more relaxed during the ride.
Whether it is the first trip home, a vet visit, taking or picking up Joaquín from school, or everyday errands, this is one of those things you do not realize you need… until you do.
Pro tip: Take short, calm car rides in the beginning so your puppy learns that traveling is safe and not something to fear. There are so many Youtube channels dedicated to playing “calming puppy music”.
🩺 Finding A Vet Before Bringing Your Puppy Home
One thing I am so glad we did early on was finding a veterinarian before Panda came home. It is one of those details that is easy to overlook, but it makes such a difference once your puppy is actually in your arms.
Having a vet already chosen means you are not scrambling if something comes up, and it allows you to start building a relationship from day one.
Your puppy’s first visit usually happens within the first few days of bringing them home, helping establish a baseline for their health and ensuring everything is on track.
If you are local, I shared our personal experience and everything you need to know in my full Petfolk Charlotte review here. Because in those early days, having someone you trust to help care for your puppy matters more than you realize.
🏡 Creating A Safe Space For Your Puppy
As someone who is always thinking about how to create a peaceful and beautiful space, I realized this was not just about a puppy — it was about designing a home that truly supports every chapter of our lives, something I often share in my home content.
The very first thing I knew we needed was a designated space for Panda.
Not just for training, but for safety, routine, and peace of mind.
We chose a playpen setup in our living room, so Panda could feel included in our daily life without having full run of the house right away.
It became his little world:
- A place to eat
- A place to play
- A place to rest
- A place to feel secure
✨ This was, without a doubt, the best decision we made.
👉 Clear Acrylic Dog Playpen With Door
Pro tip: Start with a smaller, contained space — it helps your puppy feel safe and prevents overwhelm in those first few days.
🥣 Food + Water Setup
Keeping things simple here was key.
We used a small, easy-to-clean bowl setup that stayed inside the playpen. Having a consistent feeding area helps puppies learn routine quickly.
Tip: Choose bowls that are:
- Non-slip
- Easy to clean
- The right size for a small breed
👉 Elevated Dog Bowls For Small Dogs
We tried over $100 in different foods for Panda, before we found what works best. I highly recommend buying dog food from places that allow you to return it if your puppy does not like it. One such place is Hollywood Feed. Also, if you are based in Charlotte, NC like I am, Hollywood Feed is across the street from Petfolk.
Pro tip: Feed your puppy at the same times each day — routine builds trust and makes training so much easier. Our vet told us that not all dogs are the same. Some eat once a day, some graze through the day, and some eat three meals a day. You will eventually figure out your puppy’s preference. Our Panda is a grazer.
🧸 Toys That Keep Them Happy (And Busy)
I quickly learned — a busy puppy is a happy puppy.
We created a little basket filled with:
- Teething toys
- Soft comfort toys
- Chew toys
- A ball to play catch with
Not only does this help with teething, but it also prevents them from turning your furniture, blankets, and/or your hands into their personal chew toy 🙈
👉 Panda Silent Squeak Plush Dog Toy
Pro tip: Rotate your puppy’s toys every few days to keep them feeling “new” and exciting. Julie swears that keeping her teething toys in the freezer, helps her puppies tremendously.
🐾 Puppy Pads + Training Area
One side of the playpen is dedicated to training.
Consistency is everything in those early days, and having a clear, designated potty area made a huge difference.
It helped Panda start to understand:
- where to go
- where not to go
👉 Leak-Proof Puppy Potty Training Pee Pads
There are going to be accidents. Period. That is just life with a puppy. I strongly recommend learning gentle techniques online on how to let them know they should only use the pee pads. I am firmly against the outdated belief system that you must punish your puppy with hitting them or rubbing their faces in their accidents. Having said that, I have found the best pet stain and odor remover on the market.
👉 Carbona Oxy-Powered Pet Stain & Odor Remover | Carpet Cleaner for Pets
Pro tip: Take your puppy to the same potty spot consistently — repetition is what helps it finally “click.”
🦴 Training Treats We Actually Used
One thing I learned quickly was treats are everything when it comes to training. They are not just rewards, they are communication.
In those early days, especially while working on potty training and basic routines, having the right treats made such a difference for Panda.
We kept it simple with small, soft treats that were easy for him to chew and quick to reward.
👉 Pup-Peroni Original Beef Recipe Dog Treats
👉 Fieldcrest Farms Nothin’ To Hide Twist Stix (Peanut Butter Flavor)
Tip: Look for treats that are:
- Small and bite-sized
- Soft (especially for puppies)
- Made with simple, quality ingredients
Because when you find one your puppy loves, training suddenly becomes so much easier.
Pro tip: Keep treats nearby at all times in the beginning — the faster you reward good behavior, the faster they learn.
🎒 What I Keep In Our Puppy Bag
One thing I did not fully think about before bringing Panda home was how much we would need when leaving the house, even for something as simple as a quick outing.
So, I ended up putting together a small “puppy bag” that I now grab every time we go out with him.
It keeps everything organized, easy, and stress-free (which, trust me, makes such a difference).
Here is what I always keep inside:
- Puppy wipes (for quick clean-ups on the go)
- A portable water bottle made for dogs
- A small bag of treats for training and rewards
- Extra puppy pads or waste bags
- A lightweight blanket for comfort
👉 Lick-Safe Daily Pet Wipes For Dogs
👉 Puffer Dog Travel Bag For Dog Moms
Because when you are out with your puppy, it is not just about being prepared — it is about being able to relax and enjoy the moment without worrying about the “what ifs.”
Pro tip: Keep your puppy bag packed and ready by the door, as it makes spontaneous outings so much easier.
🛁 Bath Time Basics
Bathing a puppy was one of those things I felt both prepared for and completely unprepared for at the same time.
In the beginning, we kept it very simple.
We chose a gentle, puppy-safe shampoo and focused on making the experience as calm and positive as possible, because I quickly realized that how you introduce bath time matters just as much as the products you use.
👉 Puppy Shampoo (smells divine!)
We also made sure to:
- Use lukewarm water
- Keep sessions short
- Dry him off gently and thoroughly
And of course… lots of cuddles afterward 🤍
Because just like everything else in those early days, it was not just about getting him clean — it was about helping him feel safe.
Pro tip: Introduce bath time slowly and positively. The goal is not just cleanliness, but building trust.
🧼 Puppy Hygiene Essentials We Swear By
No one really tells you how much of puppy life is maintenance. The tiny things that make a big difference.
With Panda, we quickly found a simple rhythm that keeps him clean, comfortable, and honestly — looking like the little prince that he is.
We use gentle ear wipes to keep his ears clean (especially important for his breed), eye wipes daily to prevent tear staining (again, important for his breed), and nail clippers to keep those little paws from getting too sharp.
It is nothing fancy, just consistent care — and a lot of treats and cuddles in between.
Pro tip: Start these routines early. Puppies who grow up used to grooming become dogs who will not fight you every step of the way (learned that one the easy way, thankfully).
And somehow, these small moments — wiping his face, holding his paws — have become some of my favorite quiet rituals with him.
👉 Dog Teeth Cleaning Finger Mitt Dental Wipe
👉 Paw Science Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes
👉 Swihauk Heavy Duty Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmers
👉 Hypoallergenic Pet Eye Wipes
💤 Where Panda Sleeps (And How That Evolved)
One of the biggest questions I had before bringing Panda home was: where would he sleep?
In the beginning, we kept things simple and used a bassinet that we found on Facebook Marketplace for free. It gave him a small, cozy space that felt safe and contained, especially in those first few nights when everything was new and unfamiliar.
We added a pee pad so accidents would not matter, and if he woke up in the middle of the night, Joaquín was able to comfort him back to sleep quickly.
Since Panda is technically “his dog,” we decided to keep the bassinet in his room from day one.
But as time went on (and as our hearts got more attached), things naturally evolved.
Now, Panda sleeps in bed with Joaquín — and watching their bond grow has been one of the sweetest parts of this entire journey.
During the day, however, Panda loves having his own little space to rest. It gives him comfort, routine, and a place that is just his. This is the cozy spot he naps in most often:
👉 Calming Dog Bed for Small Dog
Pro tip: Give your puppy a puppy blanket from day one that serves as a source of comfort, familiarity, and security as they adjust to their new home.
✨ What I Would Do Differently
Even though I loved our setup, here are a few things I would add next time:
- More variety of chew toys (especially for teething stages)
- Extra cleaning supplies (trust me on this one 😅)
- A second cozy bed for rotation
- I would have invested in a harness that fit him properly, instead of buying some random collar and leash that looked cute
If you are preparing for a puppy, I have linked everything we used above to make it easy for you.
These are the exact items that helped us create a safe, loving space for Panda from day one.
Pro tip: You do not need to have everything perfect — your puppy does not need perfection, they just need love.
Looking back, preparing Panda’s first home was not about having everything — it was about creating a space where he felt safe, loved, and part of our family from the very first moment.
These are the exact items we used, the ones that truly made a difference. And if you are about to bring home your own puppy, I hope this helps you feel just a little more ready for that beautiful, life-changing day.
