I add to this list occasionally. So check back and see the new stuff. Last update: October 2012
One of the first things that you need to do, if you haven't already done so, is pick out the new puppy a name. If you can, it would be good to tell us as soon as you make a decision on the puppy name and we'll start calling him/her by their name. It is amazing how quick they learn their name and will respond and come when you call. This might also help reduce some of the stress during the transition and help the puppy to adjust to your home faster.
Visit with all members of your family to inform them that you will be adding a new member to the family and it will take everyone working together to take care and train the puppy. It is important that everyone use the same commands for the puppy and agree to the rules for daily care and instructions for the puppy. This will include who will be responsible for watching the puppy to be aware when it needs to go potty and the take the puppy outside. If no one is assigend to watch the puppy, then accidents and confusion will happen and can cause frustration for the puppies.
It is important to estblish a "home" place for the new puppy in your house. If you plan to crate train your puppy, begin the training immediately when you get the new puppy home. Have a place the puppy considers their own. It could be a crate, a dog pillow, a rug, a couch or even a recliner. It should be a place the puppy can go to any time and feel protected. It can be a place that they are to sleep in during the day and at night. Someplace they can take their toys to and chew or nap with when they get tired. This will give the new puppy a since of scurity and comfort.
This is very important! Remove from your home anything that might be hazerdous to your new puppy. Remember, they will sniff and chew on anything they can get to. If you have any plants on the floor or shelves close to the ground, make sure they are not Poisonous to the puppy. Some plants that are poisonous to dogs are: Oleander, Aloe Vera, Crabapple Tree, Morning Glory, Hyacinth. Some House Plants: Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron), Chinese Evergreen, Cordatum, Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant), Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman), Devil's Ivy, Dumb Cane, Golden Pothos, Green Gold Nephthysis, Marble Queen, Mauna Loa Peace Lily, Nephthytis, Peace Lily, Red-Margined Dracaena, Striped Dracaena, Taro Vine, Warneckei Dracaena. Just to name a few. Do a search on the web for "Poisonous plants for dogs" or go to ehow.com, for more information. Several recent reports of dogs having kidney failure after ingesting large amount of grapes or raisins are under investigation by the animal posion control center.