Meals: Your puppy should have his own food and water dishes. These should be designed so he can eat and drink comfortably without getting his nose and ears wet. Have a supply of food ready for his arrival. Find out from the breeder what your puppy is used to eating. It's best to maintain the same diet for a few days.

Toys: All puppies like to chew. This is normal behavior, and it helps with the teething process. Give your puppy some toys of his own to chew to deter him from chewing your possessions. Toys don't need to be elaborate, but make sure they are non-toxic, large enough that they cannot be swallowed, and relatively indestructible. Objects that are swallowed may become stuck in the throat, stomach or intestines, and can be a serious threat to your puppy's life.

Collar: Although you will not be able to take your new puppy for walks with other dogs until he has completed his course of vaccinations, you will need a suitable collar and leash for him. The collar should be soft and well fitting. For the first few days, he will need to wear it only for short periods when you are there to supervise. It must not be too tight, since this is uncomfortable for your puppy, but neither should it be too loose, as it may catch on a protruding object. You may want to consider a collar with a quick-release feature. Check your puppy’s collar daily and loosen it as his neck increases in size. Do not buy a choke chain for your young puppy. If used incorrectly, it could cause irreparable damage to his neck.

Grooming: You also need to buy a brush and comb – the type depends on the hair type of your pup’s breed. Ask the breeder to show you how to groom your puppy properly and to recommend some suitable grooming equipment.

Basic puppy-proofing: Keep everything in your home that might be dangerous to your puppy out of his reach. He may tug or chew anything he finds, including plants and electrical cords. Check your yard to make sure the fencing is secure, and that there are no small holes through which your puppy could disappear. Make sure your gate shuts securely, and that your puppy won't be able to squeeze through or under it. Always keep gates to pools closed, and make sure there are no spaces in the gate where your puppy could slip through and into the pool area.

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