getting a puppy in a week. suggestions?

Hi,
I am so excited, I can't wait to take him home! We already got bowls, crate, bed and a couple toys. We're buying puppy food sometime before he gets here. We're going to buy a brush, some more toys and shampoo the next day after he's here (for financial reasons). He's also going to his vet appointment the next day.
Did I miss anything?
Also, what to expect the first few days, what are major dos and donts?
Any advice would be a big help.
Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by John Wolff on April 22, 2009 at 5:07pm

lots of photos. ask the vet about limiting exposure to other dogs until shots are complete?
read puppy books. I liked "Superpuppy" (Pinkwater).
If I had it to do over again, I would make a detailed training plan on paper, basically listing each command & behavior that I want to teach, and make sure my partner and I are on the same page. Basically, a vocabulary list for the puppy.

Something I find really handy is a very small pocket-sized odor-proof airtight unbreakable container -- lots of them -- for tiny training treats. Lori lost a pair of pants once 'cause she left treats in a pocket.
Now is the time to plan your work and work your plan. All the training time will be richly rewarded.
Have fun.

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Permalink Reply by Natalie, Lance &Tucker on April 23, 2009 at 1:12am

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Expect accidents for awhile, just when you think they have the hang of it they don't totally until they reach 9 months to a year.
Food for the puppy from the breeder so you can feed the same food for awhile and when and if you decdie to switch to a different food, it needs to be done gradually over a period of time.
Training is never ending just in my opinion, keep at it..once your done with beginner training then go to the next level, like John says it pays off