Before the new family member comes home you should pet proof your house.

• If there are areas that will be off limits to the dog you will need to put up gates.
• Make sure chemicals and small chewable items are up off the floor.
• Some dogs are geniuses with cabinet doors so you might want to put childproof locks on.
• Garbage pails should be put away or tightly covered and not tippable.
• Make sure any plants in the house are non-toxic or completely unavailable including not being able to be knocked over by other animals (ie cats).
• Have your pet crate already in the house and set up.

If possible you should make your pet's first appointment even before you pick them up. If you have never had a dog or it's been a while, call and make an appointment with a technician for a 'puppy talk' before you bring the dog home (or even before you start looking for a dog). these talks cover the major points of puppy care such as vaccinations, housebreaking, crate training and other common behavior traits that you will need to be aware of. Our receptionists are well versed in this information too and will be able to answer many of your questions over the phone. Though not always required by wherever you get the dog, an exam within the first few days in not a bad idea even if its not due for vaccinations. This 'get to know you' visit will allow you and the vet a chance to go over any early questions that may come up and screen for potential health problems.

When bringing the puppy home ask for food of the same type that it has been eating. If you are going to change to a different brand do it gradually. You will probably want to stick with the old food exclusively for a few days. This will be one less change in the animal's life all at once. After a few days you can begin gradually changing the dog's food to the brand you will be using. Start by changing only 25% of the food for a couple of days, then 50% for a few days, then 75%. It should take at least a week to change to 100% of the new food. Watch for diarrhea or vomiting. If your pup doesn't tolerate the new food well you may have to look for a different brand or stick to the previous food.

Check with your veterinarian about which food and how much you should be feeding. Puppies need special nutrition and large breeds and small breeds have different nutritional requirements. A quick rule of thumb to help determine how much food you should be feeding is the 5-minute rule. Puppies should be fed 3 times daily. Put their food dish down and see how much they can eat in 5 minutes. If you have put down too much then decrease the amount that you are giving them. If it is too little it is time to increase the amount of the meal. Don't forget puppies are growing so you have to adjust this frequently.

Ask when you get the dog, if he will be able to take a blanket or toy home with him. If not take a blanket or towel with you and rub it in the area the pup slept. If there were litter mates see if you can rub them down too. Something familiar with scents they recognize will help with the transition to a new home.

Make sure you have a leash or two. You may want to keep one in each vehicle and at your door for when you take your dog in the car. Make sure you have a collar if one isn't provided. Have a tag engraved with your name, phone number and address on it and have that on your collar. Have one or two toys already at home, but don't overwhelm them. Don't forget food and water dishes. You should have a good set of nail clippers. Dogs should have their nails trimmed about once a week. If you have a dog with grooming needs don't forget the brushes, combs and maybe a pair of grooming scissors.

These classes aren't just about obedience, but socialization with other animals and human beings. This is where a dog gets its start as a good canine citizen. You should have your dog signed up and ready to go before you get them or shortly afterwards. Puppy kindergarten starts at about 12-16 weeks of age and there are great adult obedience classes for older dogs. All the adults and older children should attend so the dog gets consistent training from everyone.