[Lula-Mae Famous]

I was very lucky when I brought home a puppy to have a friend that is a dog trainer to help me out. I had her phone number set to speed dial.

Whenever I read the standard "how to care for your new puppy" lists I cant help but think they are all the same and of the things I wish I knew.

The list posted above is very informative. A+

I would also add....

1. Take at least a week off from work. I would even suggest 2 if you can to help you and your puppy both adjust to your home and potty/crate trainnging schedule.

2. Walk into your new vet's office before you bring your dog home and make an appointment for them to be seen the day after they come home.
You are going to spend a good amount of time visting your vet's office. especially since its a puppy and will need their shots quite frequetly.

If your puppy seems sick try to collect a poo sample before you go to your vet for them to test. obviously it needs to be fresh.
Your vet is your new best friend. Make sure you trust them. When in doubt, call your vet. better safe than sorry. Be ready to pay those bills.

3. If you decide to crate/potty train as I did make sure to block off the back of the crate. They only need enough room to turn around and laydown. If you are using the crate to help you potty train and they can get away with messing in the back of the crate, they will.
I have never seen my dog more upset than the day she messed in her crate and couldnt get out of the way of it.

4. Decide what type of potty training you want. I did outside only which was fantastic in the summer... but then winter hit. She wont potty outside in anything under 20 degrees. Just shake and cry. I wish I started out on pads. Now I'm haivng trouble re-training her to go in the house on a pad.

Thats all I can think of for now. Again, this is in addition to the previous links.