a little overwhelmed

First of all, don't worry about getting everything before puppy. You can always get stuff later.... and if you hang around these forums you'll get plenty of ideas for stuff to buy that your pup doesn't really need. :biggrin2:

Don't spend much money on a puppy bed. Puppy will probably pee in it. We just used old rag towels until Buffy was potty trained.

Ask for some of puppy's bedding from the breeder. Our breeder gave us a sock from the litter bed. It smelled like her mom and siblings and I think this is probably part of the reason Buffy didn't whine her first night. Some people also do a ticking clock to soothe.

Also get some really high-quality, tasty puppy treats. A few ideas - pepperoni patties, freeze-dried chicken, cheese-based anything or just cheese.
 
There isn't anything I can think of that has not been suggested here. I would do a quick check of my house to make sure there is not anything expensive on the floor, expensive rugs etc.. Also check for any dangerous houseplants inside and out side that the puppy can get into. Kinda puppy proofing your home. I would also decide where the puppy would be most of the time and get a puppy gate if needed. I never had an x pen. My pups were mostly in the kitchen and family room (all tile, no throw rugs when they came). It is where my family was most of the time. I had used a product called Nature's Miracle if they had accidents on the floor for clean up. I do not know how young your children are, but my son was six so we did a quick sweep of the house to make sure there were no matchbox cars and legos anywhere. We also discussed not leaving his shoes around and always closing his bedroom door because if he leaves it open the puppy could swallow something dangerous. Most of all remember to take plenty of pictures! We love those. Congratulations.


Donna

Donna
 
Not sure if you have a fenced yard or not, but check it over very carefully if you do for small holes - puppies can get through holes we wouldn't expect.

Have some treats on hand as well.

I use vinegar and carpet cleaners on spots - works well and isn't expensive.

But above all, relax - you will be just fine. Once you have your puppy home, you'll wonder why you were so stressed. First-time dog ownership is like first-time parents - you want to do everything well and right. Take your cues from your puppy.
 
word of warning about cardboard boxes...

I used them was Gavin was a puppy, and boy did he ever chew them up! But I would just get a bigger one from work (easy peasy)

well, fast forward 2 years after he's all grown and no longer sleeping or playing in boxes. I left a Christmas present in its shipping box out. I was gonna wait until Christmas (silly me). gavin had other ideas...he opened it for me! Good thing he didn't chew up the present :D He was used to cardboard being 'fair game' for chewing. He's over it now at 5 years old, but for a few years he also targeted hardcover books as well. I never caught him at it, so I was nver able to train him out of it.

So just realize that pup might transfer 'chewing on box is OK' to 'chewing on anything that feels like a box' is OK. So hide anything that is cardboard!
 
Thanks to you guys I went back and got the rest of the items that were mentioned.

The countdown is on, less then 48 hours and she will be here!

Jennifer
 
I found that probably one of the best investments that I ever made beside the crate for our pup was an X-pen. and you will continue to use it for thier entire lives. it will provide a safe place for the pup with room to move around and some piece of mind for you as well when you need a time out to catch your breath and recharge for the next round, without always putting her in the crate.:yes:.

Not that there is anything wrong with crating in fact it's a must have, I just don't like to have it as my only safe place option. IF I have enough room I set up the crate covered and connected to the x- pen so they can go into the crate on thier own when they want to have a nap but still have a safe play area as well where they don't need constant supervision.
 
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jawehr said:
Thanks to you guys I went back and got the rest of the items that were mentioned.

The countdown is on, less then 48 hours and she will be here!

Jennifer
Click to expand...

Wow, you must be pretty excited hahaha 48 hours waiting for my puppy nearly killed me hahaha Best of luck and best wishes for you and your puppy :biggrin2: Let us know how the first night goes!!
 
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