Getting a new puppy, especially for first-time owners, is almost as exciting as welcoming a new baby into the house. However, as is the case with a human baby, you want to make sure you make preparations for the canine baby. If properly groomed, the puppy will have a much better chance of settling into the home quickly.

To avoid digestive upset in your new pup, it’s a good idea to continue using the food he’s already been eating. The breeder will usually give you a small supply with the puppy and provide you with the brand name and where you can get it. If you want to change the food, do so gradually, starting with just 10% of the new food and gradually increasing over a period of about 2 weeks. This will allow your puppy’s digestive system to adjust to the new diet without causing diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting.

As with most things, you get what you pay for when it comes to puppy food. Choose a premium brand that has a meat product as the first ingredient. Rice is much less likely to cause allergic reactions than wheat or corn, so check the full ingredient list. Use puppy food instead of adult dog food as it contains a higher proportion of protein to aid in good growth.

You will also need food and water dishes. The most practical type is probably stainless steel: they are easy to keep clean and almost indestructible. Our pups chewed on their plastic food and water bowls when they were teething, despite having access to hooves and chew toys. Make sure you have clean water at all times and don’t leave canned food out. If the puppy leaves some of the wet food, throw it away or refrigerate it; spoiled food will make the puppy sick.

Although some people still recommend putting the puppy in a cardboard box with a hot water bottle and a towel, there are better ways to handle your new companion’s sleeping arrangements. If you try to put yourself in the puppy’s place, you will realize that he has just been separated from his mother and siblings, with whom he has slept since he was born. It is not surprising that puppies cry for nights if they are left alone in a box. There are two humane approaches to puppy sleeping arrangements, and which one you choose will depend partly on personal preference and partly on the adult size of the dog.

One way to handle your new puppy’s sleeping arrangements is to put a dog bed right next to his bed. This way, the puppy will be much less likely to feel lonely and scared. You can also talk to him and pet him at night to calm him down. If the house is cool, make sure you have a blanket on the bed to cover the puppy.

The other alternative is to bring the puppy to your bed. When we got our two French bulldog girls, who were 12 weeks old at the time, this is exactly what we did. They snuggled under the covers without a fuss and never once whimpered. Another great benefit was that they slept through the night without having to relieve themselves in just 2 weeks: it was winter and they didn’t want to leave that warm bed. They didn’t dirty the bed either.

First-time pet owners will want to choose a veterinarian before bringing the puppy home. It’s a good idea to arrange an office visit to meet the vet, just to see if you’re comfortable with the person. If you don’t, go somewhere else.

You should take your new puppy in for a health checkup within 2-3 days of bringing him home. Her vet will make sure her vaccinations are up to date and answer any questions she may have. A good vet will always take the time to explain things fully.

Regardless of any other preparation you are going to do, remember to increase your patience level as well. Puppies of any breed are extremely active and lively. They will run non-stop for hours, chewing on anything they can bite, and urinating and pooping where you don’t want them to. If you get into the habit, early on, of taking a philosophical view of your puppy’s behavior, both you and your puppy will be much happier.

A puppy should never be hit, either with your hand or with an object. In most cases, it’s best to distract the pup who is being naughty. Treating your new puppy with kindness and understanding will create a strong bond between you and you will be rewarded with a loving and faithful companion.