What an exciting moment it is when you've made your selection and that darling, warm, lovable new dog is ready and waiting to enter your home and your life. A young puppy will need certain essentials, and pre-planning should make it an enjoyable rather than a hectic experience. A small box, lined with newspapers, is needed for transporting your new possession. Place the box on the back floor of the car so that the dog will be secure. If you have a long ride home from the breeder, stop occasionally so the puppy can relieve himself. Since this is undoubtedly his first car ride, he may be nervous and need reassurance. Allow him to have water only if the trip is long or very hot. Normally, it is best not to feed a puppy just prior to, or during, an automobile ride as this can induce car sickness.

Once you arrive home, get the dog settled with a minimum of fuss and excitement. His living "area" should have been selected and readied hi advance. In most homes or apartments, the kitchen is the ideal spot to confine the puppy until housebreaking is completed. We recommend an area which is both easy to keep clean and where the puppy will be near you and have "human contact." Socialization is most important, so the puppy should not be isolated. Some dog trainers recommend a wire cage but if there is an alternative which would give the dog somewhat more freedom and yet keep it confined to a specific area, this is ideal. Don't give your puppy free run of the house. Training cannot be accomplished if this is done.

The Dog Bed
Provide your dog with his own bed and place it in one corner of his area. The bed should be appropriate to the dog's size cozy enough to cuddle in. Most breeds will outgrow their first bed, so it should be inexpensive. A small washable rug or blanket can be used. Frequent washing of the bedding is necessary.

Newspaper
Stock up on newspapers since you will be using large quantities if you "paper train" your puppy.

Dog Dishes
Your dog will need two dishes, one for his food and one for water. Dishes which are unbreakable, weighted and rustproof are best. You will find a weighted dish is worth the extra cost in order to avoid spilled water and food. Puppies love to play and will run around and frolic with an aluminum or small plastic container. And it's amazing, but, until the family members are fully adjusted to the new addition and all his equipment, they will accidentally tip over the water dish unless it is weighted. The size and shape of the dishes should be determined by the size and shape of the dog's head and ears. Dogs with long ears should have a dish with a narrow opening so that their ears stay out of the food. Flat-faced dogs need a shallow dish and long-nosed dogs need a deep bowl.

Dog Health
Visit your veterinarian and have him give the puppy a complete checkup. Be certain the dog is healthy and sound, because, if something is wrong, it would be best to return him now before getting attached. Bring a stool sample to the vet so he can check for worms. Any innoculations needed can be given at this time.

Other Dog Essentials
A small collar and a leash will have to be purchased. The size and shape should be suitable to the dog. For example, a rounded collar is used for a long haired dog so that it won't rub off the fur. Again, as this item also will soon be outgrown, an inexpensive one is best.

Puppies love to chew and unless you provide them with something to gnaw on, they will help themselves. Don't ever allow them to chew an old shoe or sock, because a dog can't discriminate between one of your "good" shoes and an old one. Do provide your puppy with rawhide bones which are made specifically for this chewing purpose. They can be purchased at pet stores or wherever dog food is sold. Avoid rubber or plastic toys as these can be chewed to pieces and can lodge in the dog's throat or digestive tract, causing severe damage and even death.

Dog Grooming Materials
To keep your puppy looking neat and clean, you will need a suitable brush, comb, and nail clippers. The type of comb and brush required will depend on the dog's coat and even his size, so discuss this at time of purchase. Don't get carried away with enthusiasm and purchase large amounts of grooming equipment and aids. Comb, brush, and nail clippers are the basic essentials. A mild dog shampoo is also needed. Other items can be purchased when you discover a real need.

Dog Diet
Since moving to a new home is quite traumatic for a dog and just this change can cause digestive disturbances, it is wise to maintain the dog's former diet. Once your puppy has adjusted to your home and his digestion is normal, you may wish to start a different diet. We would recommend discussing the maintenance diet with your vet and planning one that is suitable to the breed, the activity level of your dog, and one that will help him attain optimum growth and development.

The First Nights
The first few nights the puppy spends in his new home are the most difficult. He misses the warmth and companionship of his brothers, sisters, and mother. Most puppies will cry, but comforting words, a little petting, a hot water bottle, and a ticking clock will ease the anxious baby. Remember a puppy is a baby dog, and he will often require nearly as much attention as a new infant. You should plan to devote a few days to this baby and to making him feel at home; however, don't spoil him and start bad habits. It is a sad mistake to let him sleep in your room and bed. Once this is started, your privacy is over. The dog should have his own bed in a cozy nook in another part of the house and sleep there without exception. This procedure should be followed from the beginning.

Let the puppy sleep when he wants to. Don't start off by having numerous visitors come over to see him and pick him up. A gradual introduction to the family members is wise. Small puppies must be handled with utmost care. Children and many adults must be taught how to pick them up, hold them, carry them, and put them down. Injuring a small pup by careless treatment is cruel and needless.
Until the puppy has had all his shots and innoculations, it is best to keep him away from other dogs in order to avoid unnecessary exposure to disease.