Getting Ready
The Work
The Expense
The Preparation
The Selection

The Preparation

Plan for the homecoming.  You will need to spend a lot of time with your new puppy the first few weeks.  Try to arrange some vacation time for the homecoming.  If your puppy will be alone while you work, make arrangements with a neighbor, a pet sitter or a puppy day care.  Expect one or two nights without much sleep.  Puppies are use to sleeping with their littermates and your new puppy may be very lonely for the first few nights.  

Make an appointment with a veterinarian.  Ask neighbors and friends with dogs for recommendations.  Your new puppy should be examined by your veterinarian as soon as possible.  Ask about emergency care services.  If you do not feel comfortable with the first veterinarian, look for another one.

Locate an obedience instructor that uses a positive approach to dog training.  Find out when the next puppy kindergarten class begins.  Ask if vaccinations are required for all the puppies in the class. 

 You will need a crate, a collar, a leash, a water dish, dog food, a food dish, a hair brush, nail clippers and a large assortment of safe toys.  A wire exercise pen and a baby gate are often very useful items.  Anti-chew spray and clean-up products formulated for puppies are a good idea.  Hold off on purchasing a nice dog bed for a year or two.  Puppies love to chew.  

Fireplaces and wood stoves can be secured with a sturdy fireplace gate to prevent injuries.

Household cleaners, chemicals and medications must be in a secure location.  Antifreeze is very dangerous to pets and it must be stored out of reach of your dog.  All medications should be out of reach, especially Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen).  These drug are toxic to dogs even in small doses.

Electrical cords can be secured behind furniture or baby gates.  Severe mouth burns or even electrocution can result from chewing cord.  If you plan to keep your puppy in the kitchen area when you are not at home, make certain that the puppy does not have access to the refrigerator cord. 

Some houseplants are poisonous and they need to be out of reach.  Consider placing your plants in hanging baskets. Toxic outdoor plants can be secured with wire exercise pens.

Move small objects out of reach.  Small toys and coffee table items should be moved.  Puppies will ingest all sorts of items that may require surgical removal! 

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