[robinl]

While I haven't adopted my new puppy yet, I'm trying to research and plan everything I need. I was wondering if the helpful members here could possibly suggest some good products you recomend. From my research, I've figured out that I need a crate. I want to get a travel carrier for my puppy as well, is it possible to get a crate which can also serve as the travel carrier? Will this make the dog more comfortable during travel, or do I need seperate products? My concern isn't about spending more money on two products, but rather making the dog comfortable when traveling in a car or on a plane.

Secondly, it seems I need a puppy play pen to leave the dog in during the day. My work is dog friendly so my hope is to get something which I can easily transport (or buy a second version of) and set it up in my office. What needs to go into this play pen? I need puppy pads or newspapers to let the puppy go, correct? Also a few toys? Do I put the crate in here or a seperate dog bed? Is a folding 8-sided crate better than a fixed box style crate?

What about dog litter boxes? Someone suggested that this was doable for yorkies. Is it recomended, I would certianly prefer it but if it's not best for the dog I'd rather do the traditional taking the dog outside to eliminate.

And what about feeding solutions? If on the occasional day I have to leave the dog at home while I'm at work (I only expect this to happen once or twice a month) should I get an auto-feeder?

Speaking of feeding solutions, what do people recomend as good food for the puppy. I read using 1/4 wet canned food + 3/4 dry food was good, but I'm confused as wheter that's best for only adult dogs or also for puppies?

And lastly (and certainly of high importance) what toys and treats do people recomend? Good leashes? Good grooming supplies? Anything else I'm leaving off here?

Oh, and, P.S. is there any good website or resource to find a good vet hosipital? I live in Cambridge MA so I'd love some help if someone has some personal expereince?