[SIZE=2]Before you pick up your baby write a list of questions with all of your concerns and discuss these in depth with the breeder. I am assuming your baby is coming from someone in your area and you have had a chance to visit and acquaint yourself with your new youngun. Take a blanket or shirt or bed( I actually make a bed for each pup that leaves my home and all of my dogs crawl around and leave their scent on it) so your baby will have familiar smells when you first bring it home. I do not like plastic carriers-I like to see my babies all the time so I buy a wire crate and cover a portion of it to make a den. Buy NutriStat or NutriCal and bottled water and take it and the crate with you when you pick up your puppy.
Your breeder will probably be the best source for info about all of the other extras and preps you should make. One of the most important things you can ever do for a new baby is MAKE A VET APPT BEFORE YOU EVEN BRING THE BABY INTO YOUR HOME. You can always cancel it if you don't get the baby but they are hard to make on a moment's notice. Bring the vet records for your baby to your new vet..a stool spec is good but not absolutely necessary. I can guarantee you that you will not be objective after several days of having the new baby in your arms-- so do it ASAP. Don't buy a collar-get a harness that will fit your baby. DO NOT TAKE YOUR PUPPY OUT SHOPPING AND ALLOW STRANGERS TO TOUCH HER TIL YOU ARE SURE SHE HAS HAD ALL OF HER VACCINES!!! Never let her down on the floor at pet stores, especially those that have vets attached. Do not hesitate to tell someone "NO You may not pet her" and put your hand between her and the person. She is a baby-your baby- so treat her as such. Protect her!!!!!!!![/SIZE] |