Choose a vet
You can call to schedule a visit soon after your puppy comes home. This will also let you see if the vet is a good fit and confirm that you like their facilities. Doing research now will save you time and energy later.
Ask the vet questions about their vaccination protocol. So you can plan your first few weeks.
Buy a Crate/ Pen
Buy a crate/pen for your puppy to sleep in. The size of the crate should be large enough for them when they are adults. If your pup is a medium or large breed, choose a crate that can be adjusted with a divider as your puppy grows.
Place the crate in your bedroom, or prepare to sleep in the room where your puppy is for at least the first week or so. All sleep and naps should be scheduled in the crate. So having an extra one in your living area is helpful. You can use this one for car rides, too.
Crate training is indispensable for toilet training overnight. It can also help train a confident, independent, well-mannered puppy. Good crate training allows your pup to feel safe in their own space in the knowledge you will come to them when they need you.
A Collar & Lead
Buy a collar that will fit your puppy when they come home. You will need to size up in the future weeks or months as your puppy will grow rapidly.
The collar should be snug on the neck. Only 2-3 fingers should be able to fit between the collar and the neck to make sure it isn't too tight.
Buy a lead which is at least 2m long. Your puppy will be small, and the shorter the lead, the harder it is for them to walk on a loose lead.
Food & Water
Don't change your puppy's food for at least 1 to 2 weeks: Ask your breeder what kind of food your puppy is currently eating, and buy a small bag to keep their food consistent.
Transition gradually to any new food! Puppies can have sensitive tummies, and diarrhoea can happen from stress, new proteins and illness.
Buy at least three water bowls; one for where they sleep, one for where you spend most of your time, such as a living space and one for their puppy pen or another area of the home where you spend a lot of time. You'll be feeding your puppy 3 -4 meals a day until they are 6 months old, so using bowls, food toys, and lickimats keeps things interesting.
SET YOUR TRAINING GOALS
Before you bring your puppy home, ask yourself some essential questions:
What does a well-behaved dog look like to you?
Is there more than one person helping you raise this puppy? What roles will each of you play?
Where is your puppy allowed in the home? If you are limiting access, then where's the puppy area?
Will your puppy be allowed on furniture? Yes, it is ok for them to sleep on the sofa or even your bed if this is what you want.
Do you know what to do to prevent your puppy from jumping up, barking excessively, and nipping? Is everyone who will be around your puppy briefed on what to do and when?
Do you want your puppy to be calm inside the house?
Will each member of the house share in the day-to-day care responsibilities?
Have you set your puppy’s schedule for eating and sleeping? Puppies need, on average, 18-20 hours of sleep a day until they are 14 weeks old. Signs of being overtired are zoomies and nipping.
Will you hire a trainer or take an online training course? Who's going to be doing the training, and is everyone on board? Expert tip: Everyone in the house should participate in training! Having a treat pouch on you at all times makes reinforcing wanted behaviours much easier.
You can download a copy of these tips below