Bringing a new puppy home is not so very different from bringing a baby home. You can prepare yourself for being awake during the night, feedings and cleaning up messes but you'll find it is so very worth it. This is only a small part of bringing home a new puppy but as long as you know how to adjust to life with a new puppy you'll do just fine.
Dog dishes
Your first priority will be to provide the essentials you will need for your puppy and the first thing you will need is the appropriate sized dishes for your puppy to eat from. If your puppy is a small type breed don't buy a dish that is meant for larger breeds or vice versa. The size of dish you purchase is important so that your puppy will feel comfortable while eating and drinking.
Leash and collar
You will certainly need a leash and collar for your new puppy. When you purchase these be sure you purchase the right size for your pup. Don't buy a collar that your puppy may slip out of while you walk him. You may have to change collars many times if you have a large breed puppy. They tend to grow very quickly and outgrow their collars. There are many leashes to choose from but try to get one that's appropriate for your puppy's size. If you have a small breed puppy don't purchase a leash that is too heavy for him. This also applies to large breeds as you will need a sturdier leash as they can have a lot of strength when pulling on the leash.
Toys
Toys are a personal choice but you should be aware there are many on the market that will not be appropriate for your puppy. Puppies love to chew so you have to choose carefully the type of toy you bring home. Make sure the toy can't come apart in your puppy's mouth and while most of them hold a squeaky toy inside if your puppy can tear this toy apart there is a potential of swallowing that squeaky toy. A solid strong rubber toy is a good choice for a puppy without squeakers. Try and avoid stuffed toys for awhile until you see what type of puppy you brought home and adjust accordingly. Dangers can come from within your home so puppy proof your home before your puppy arrives.
Bathroom choices
This is also a personal choice and depends on if you have a backyard or you are living in an apartment. If you have a back yard you can take your puppy outside and train him to use the bathroom. Lots of praise and a few choice treats will help in the training. You can still be prepared to clean up some messes inside your home if your puppy haves an accident. If your puppy is confined to apartment living you can purchase pads that lie on the floor close to your puppy and train him to go to the pad. Some dogs take to this and others don't but until your puppy gets control over his bowels and bladder this will suffice.
Crating
Crating your puppy can be a wonderful help in his training. A dog's nature loves anything that has to do with dens and although you have to be careful when you start crate training it can be the best thing you may ever do for yourself and puppy. When you start your crate training make it fun for your puppy and never use his crate as punishment. You will find that it will help tremendously with potty training as a puppy will not potty where he sleeps if the crate is the right size as to not give him an abundance of room. Purchase a crate with enough room for him to go into without squatting him, enough room for him to turn around comfortably and to lie down. The first few nights you bring your puppy home you will still have to get up a few times during the night but you can rest assured knowing that your puppy is in a safe place.
Socializing
If you have other pets at home or even members of the family you have to take time to introduce your puppy to them. This is very important to you and your puppy. When you bring your puppy home place him in the crate for a little while until you see how your other pets are going to adjust to having him there. If you see there is not a problem then start letting him out but always supervise until you're comfortable that he has been accepted. If you have other family members try to include them in the care of your puppy, this way your puppy knows they are part of his pack. As you move along your puppy should be socialized to the outside world by taking him on walks and to doggie parks.
Vaccinations
This is the most important thing that you can do for your puppy. By ensuring he has all his vaccinations you are protecting him from many of the diseases he can contract. It can pay off big time as your puppy grows. Take your puppy to the vet for a checkup and assessment of his health.
Diet
The food you feed your puppy will provide the nutrition your puppy will need as he grows. There are many foods to choose from but not all of them are what your puppy needs. If food ingredients are listed with corn, wheat or soy as the main ingredients this is not what your puppy needs. Some dogs are allergic to these ingredients and they can pose a problem for their digestive system and their skin so choose your food carefully. Now is a good time to ask your vet what he would recommend as a food for your dog.
Obedience training
Obedience training is the best investment you will make in your puppy's life. It not only makes your puppy obedient but also helps to socialize him. These are lessons that will last a life time for you to have a puppy that knows his place in the pack and knows that you are in charge.
When you are prepared for the new addition to your family it will be a pleasure to have your puppy there. Just as with a child there are things that you will need to do to make your puppy's life a happy one and yours as well. They don't stay puppies very long so enjoy them as much as you can. With the right food, exercise, and essentials you and your puppy will do fine once you know how to adjust to life with a new puppy.