Plan ahead. Listed below are some items I recommend for purchase in advance of your pup’s arrival along with some tasks for you to schedule before bringing puppy home.
To Buy List:
For confinement, purchase or borrow a dog crate or kennel, or mesh pressurized puppy gate or exercise pen
Puppy Food
Food and water bowls. I recommend stainless steal with scoot/tip proof bottoms or lead free ceramic bowls
Toys: size and type are determined by your particular puppy. See insert in Puppy Pre-School Video
Soft buckle collar and inexpensive fabric leash
Chewing deterrent, sold in all pet stores or in pet catalogues
Grooming supplies such as a soft brush, dog shampoo, flea comb
I.D. tag
Pooper scooper
To Do list:
Schedule Veterinarian appointment for necessary vaccines, puppy checkup including checking pup for parasites via a stool sample
Pick out puppy name
Buy Puppy Pre-School for Problem Prevention (shameless plug)
Decide on house rules
Begin training at home
Dog proof home and yard (wagging tails can make contact with breakables)
Find a pet sitter if necessary to help with walking and potty schedule
Decide who will help with your dog if you are seriously ill, injured or die