A good first week begins with a small, predictable environment—not with a house full of freedom.
Divide the home into three zones
Zone 01
Safe zone
Playpen, crate, fresh water and a washable bed. This is where the puppy rests, eats calmly and succeeds without constant correction.
Zone 02
Activity zone
Open only when an adult is actively supervising. Keep the area small enough to notice sniffing, circling and unwanted chasing before it escalates.
Zone 03
Restricted zone
Stairs, balconies, the backyard pond or pool, and the garage remain physically blocked—not merely “off limits” by verbal instruction.
Breed-specific safety sweep
Equipment list
Use the listed AUD reference ranges where provided. Breed-specific additions without a stable reference range are marked for a current local price check; sizes, brands and prices vary. See the shopping chapter in FluffyWA Puppy Handbook for Australian retailers.
| Priority | Item and requirement | Approx. AUD reference |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Airline crate or wire crate sized for the adult dog, with a puppy divider, plus a playpen | $60–220 for the crate/playpen category |
| Essential | Flat collar and properly fitted Y-shaped harness | $35–90 for the base lead + fitted harness category; collar separate |
| Essential | Short lead, 1.2–1.8 m | Included in the $35–90 base lead + harness reference |
| Early lead mechanics for a strong puppy | A well-fitted harness that allows calm lead practice without relying on physical strength | |
| Essential | Stainless-steel bowls | $12–35 for two bowls |
| Essential | Enzyme cleaner for toilet accidents | $15–35 |
| Essential | Washable sleeping mat | $25–100 |
| Essential | Soft teething toys | $20–70 for the chew + food-puzzle category |
| Rule-governed toy outlet | A durable, appropriately sized tug or shaking toy with a clear handhold | |
| Useful | Two food puzzles | $20–70 for the chew + food-puzzle category |
| Distance and recovery management | A secure gate or pen panel for a quiet recovery area and managed dog arrivals | |
| Do not buy yet | Retractable lead: it does not teach a loose lead and can cause cord injuries | Not recommended |
| Do not buy yet | Any collar designed to tighten around the neck | Not recommended |
| Do not buy yet | Hard bones or rawhide chews; puppy teeth and digestion can be at risk, so ask your veterinarian | Ask your veterinarian before choosing a chew |
Approximate 2026 Perth retail ranges; actual prices vary by store.
| Skill | Agreed family cue |
|---|---|
| Sit | |
| Down | |
| Come | |
| Wait | |
| Leave it | |
| Drop / Give | |
| Go to mat / Place | |
| Settle |