[lilroxy]

Originally Posted by TishaMoon

I am SO very excited about getting my first yorkie baby (first puppy, actually) next Friday. But now that it's getting so close, I'm getting nervous! It really is like preparing for a new baby.

I have been shopping like crazy. Spent $300 on her before she's even here. I have a travel crate, wire kennel, brushes, treats, bowls, blanket, toys, collars (got 2 sizes 'cause I wasn't sure). I've ordered online (all expected to arrive before her): puppy pads, pet bed, nutrical, dental kit, nature's miracle, bitter apple for chewing, wipes, harness, leash.

I still need her dry food and 2 baby gates. (if you have suggestions on baby gates, please help here: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...ppy-gates.html)

I think where supplies are concerned I should be good, unless anyone can think of something else.

Where I'm really clueless/overwhelmed is puppy proofing the house! I have a brand new house and don't want my baby causing too much destruction. And of course above all I want to keep her safe! I plan to keep her in the kitchen when not supervised, but it has a lot of cupboards. Can she get them open? Do sockets really need to be covered? I keep hearing about electrical cords. I have so many in my house. How do you keep the puppy from chewing them?

I also have a cat. How do I keep the puppy away from her litter box? And her food?

Anything else I need to do? Help me be ready! I will pick up my baby next Friday after work, so I will be tired. I will have 5 weeks off work to just hang out with her, train her, etc., but I want to be prepared from the very beginning and not in shock having to run here to ask questions!

Well since the house is new you may not have a bad time prepping it. Literally, get down on your hands and knees, and crawl around the spaces your pup will be exposed to. Anything within 18 inches of the floor should be looked at as a potential hazard. Cover electrical chords as much as possible. Clean out from under things like the washer and dryer, couch, chairs, and clean around the trash can thoroughly. Don't just clean the usual, think of the unusual stuff that you get to once a year. Think like a child and ask yourself "would this catch my eye (or nose)?" Clean up all the chords around your computer, game systems and TV's. Cupboards shouldn't be a problem, the average Yorkie can't open them. Just like a child they want to put everything in their mouth, so keep that in mind during your prep.

You sound like you're on the right track and that 5 weeks at home with your new furbaby should be wonderful and you two should really bond. Oh, and welcome to YT