A family in Cremorne drove forty minutes to collect their puppy and realised halfway home they had no plan for the drive itself, no towel for an inevitable accident, and no idea what the breeder had actually been feeding him. Luke Buchanan talked them through the rest of pickup day over the phone. A short list, prepared the night before, would have avoided all of it.

Luke Buchanan, Owner of The Toe Beans Co and Sydney's Puppy Trainer, treats pickup day itself as a distinct checklist from general puppy shopping. Here's what to actually bring and confirm on the day.

What to bring in the car

An old towel or blanket for the seat or crate, car trips are a common first accident given the stress of a new environment. A secure way to transport your puppy, a crate, a carrier, or someone in the back seat holding them calmly, rather than loose in a footwell. Some paper towel and a bag for cleanup, and a bottle of water in case the trip runs longer than expected.

Questions to confirm with the breeder or rescue before you leave

Exactly what food and feeding schedule the puppy has been on, brand and quantity, not just "puppy food." Whether any vaccinations, worming, or flea treatment have already been done, and get this in writing or on a vet record if possible. Any known health issues, and for rescues specifically, anything known about the dog's history with children, other animals, or being left alone. Ask for a small bag of their current food to take home, enough for a few days while you sort out your own supply.

Paperwork worth having before you drive off

Microchip details and registration paperwork if applicable. Any vaccination or vet records already completed. Contact details for the breeder or rescue in case you have follow-up questions in the first weeks, most reputable ones expect and welcome this.

What to have ready at home before you leave to collect

The crate assembled and positioned, not still in its box. The sleep area decided. A toilet spot chosen in the garden or nearby. Food and water bowls out and ready. This is the setup work, done in advance, that makes the first hours at home dramatically calmer.

The trip home itself

Keep it as low-key as possible. Avoid a chain of stops, showing the new puppy off to everyone on the way, save that for once they've had a chance to settle. A puppy's first car trip away from its litter is already a significant transition, and a direct trip home reduces how much novelty is stacked on top of it in one day.

The first hours at home

Let your puppy explore a contained area calmly rather than the whole house at once. Offer water and a toilet trip before anything else. Keep visitors and excitement to a minimum for the first day, plenty of time for introductions once your puppy's had a chance to decompress from a genuinely big day.

What people forget most often

Confirming the current food and feeding schedule, which leads to unnecessary stomach upset in the first week if switched abruptly. A plan for the car trip itself, rather than assuming the puppy will simply cope. And realistic expectations for day one: a quiet, calm arrival beats an exciting, eventful one every time.

Want a full pickup-day walkthrough?

The Toe Beans Co runs a free SKOOL community where Sydney dog owners get training guides, Q&As, and direct support from Luke. It's free to join.

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Upcoming Puppy Schools Across Sydney

Luke runs regular puppy schools right across Sydney, from the Lower North Shore through the Eastern Suburbs and out to Campbelltown. Check upcoming dates and book your spot.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Should I feed my puppy before the drive home?

A light feed a while before travelling is usually fine, but avoid a large meal right before a car trip, which increases the chance of car sickness on an already stressful first journey.

Q: Is it okay to have visitors on pickup day itself?

Better to keep the first day calm and low-key. Let your puppy settle before introducing a stream of excited visitors, even well-meaning ones.

Q: What if the breeder didn't give me feeding details?

Ask directly before you leave, brand, quantity, and schedule. If that's genuinely not available, your vet can help you choose an appropriate puppy food and transition plan.