Basics

• Buy the basics for a puppy as soon as possible---preferably before bringing him home. You'll need bowls for water and food, toys, a leash and collar or halter, a bed, and a crate. It's also best to purchase the type of food that the puppy is used to eating. A sudden change in diet can upset your new puppy's digestive system.
  
  

Prepare

• An easy way to prepare your home is to get down on your hands and knees and observe the room from a puppy's point of view. Are there electrical cords or wires that he can chew on? How about phone cords or furniture that she could destroy? Make sure all breakable, poisonous, medicinal and cleaning items are well out of puppy's reach. Consider confining your new puppy in a small area---at least at first. Investing in child-safety gates to block off areas will help.
  
  

Feeding

• Developing puppies need to eat a premium, balanced diet to stay healthy. When choosing dog food, make sure it's formulated specifically for puppies. The container should include instructions for how much food to feed your puppy. As for when to feed a puppy, four times a day is appropriate if he is less than 3 months old; three times per day is best between the ages of 3 and 6 months; and twice a day is optimal for the period between 6 months and a year. Also make sure fresh water is always available for your pup.
  
  

Veterinary

• To ensure your puppy's health, have her checked by a veterinarian right away. His first vaccinations should come when he is 6 or 8 weeks old, and a series of vaccinations for conditions like distemper and rabies will follow. Your puppy will also need to be dewormed.
  
  You will also need to have your puppy spayed or neutered. This is typically done at around 6 months of age but may be done sooner. Check with your veterinarian to figure out the appropriate age to get your pet fixed.
  
  

Crating

• A crate is like a den for your puppy that will help her feel secure in her new environment. It also helps in house training. The book "Puppy's First Steps" suggests choosing a crate that is snug. Your puppy should be able to stand and turn around and to sit without touching either end of the crate. Include something soft and comfortable like a blanket for your puppy to cuddle into. You might also wish to put a few toys inside.
  
  Don't confine your puppy to a crate for more than four hours during the day, since puppies under 6 months old do not have control of their bladders. Crating a puppy for too long will force him to soil his crate. This negates the housebreaking benefits of crating your pup.
  
  

Training

• Puppies should be trained to walk on a leash, to use the bathroom outdoors and to be obedient. Introduce your puppy to a leash and collar or halter as soon as possible. Crating your puppy will help you to housebreak her since dogs instinctively avoid soiling their living areas. Puppies around 4 months old who have had all their vaccinations can be enrolled in obedience classes.