Did you know that it's just as important to make a good first impression with puppies as it is with people? Here are some tips to help make your new friend feel right at home and get both of you off to a good start.

Do your shopping in advance. You'll need:

• a collar (lightweight nylon or leather)
• a leash (six-foot is the ideal length for both training and walking)
• a crate (a great aid in housebreaking)
• a brush (with natural bristles or a hand mitt for grooming)
• a safe toy for the puppy (large rawhide chips, nylon chews and hard rubber balls are fun and safe)
• a bed for the puppy, and
• easy-to-clean food and water bowls

If the puppy is to be housed outdoors, choose a well-insulated doghouse large enough to accommodate the puppy at its full-grown size. It should be located on a high, well-drained site protected from the wind. Choose a location that provides outdoor shade during the summer.

Like a child, your puppy can get into a great deal of trouble in the blink of an eye. A good rule to follow is that anything that is not safe for children is not safe for pets. Here are some tips for puppy-proofing your home:

• Keep small items such as tinsel, rubber bands, buttons and beads out of reach — your puppy could choke on them.
• Put household cleaners, detergents and other chemical compounds in tightly closed containers and be certain they are properly stored.
• Medicines should be kept out of reach.
• Keep electrical cords out of reach or wrapped in electric tape.

*Find out more on this subject in the Safe Home section.

The best time is at the beginning of a weekend. If possible, add a few vacation days. This gives you time to acquaint your puppy with its new home and begin housebreaking and other training.

Avoid bringing home a new puppy during busy times such as birthdays and holidays. The noise and confusion may frighten him. Family members are generally too busy with the festivities to devote adequate time to help the puppy become comfortable in its new home.

Once in its new home, remember that your adoptee is adjusting to strange new surroundings and people. Children can become excited. Explain to them that as she may be disoriented, their new companion needs time out for naps. Show children how to pet the newcomer and the proper way to pick up the puppy. A puppy should be closely supervised and taken outside to relieve itself after eating, following naps and play periods.

Even at the age of 8 weeks, your puppy is able to learn things. It is recommended to start house-training and showing him simple commands upon arrival in your home. Show your puppy where he may eat, drink, sleep and go to the "bathroom".

Puppies need a different kind of diet than adult dogs, as their stomachs are smaller and their nutritional needs are different. Your puppy has a big appetite and will need to be fed several times a day! Feed your puppy with a food that is specially designed to meet his nutritional requirements, in small amounts, and don't overfeed him. An overweight puppy will likely become an overweight adult dog.

You must take your newly adopted puppy to your vet as soon as possible. The first medical exam will provide your vet all the information he needs to recommend a healthy food and the immediate care you should provide your puppy. It will also serve as a reference to evaluate and compare the health of your companion during future exams.

This is what will probably happen during the first visit:

• Meticulous physical exam to determine the health status of your puppy.
• Search for external parasites (fleas, ticks, lice, mites).
• Search for internal parasites (tapeworms, roundworm) if you bring a stool sample.
• First vaccines will be administered or discussion on the types of vaccines your puppy will need to receive. Your vet will indicate when they should be administered.
• Discussion of an eventual sterilization of your puppy, and if so, the age at which the operation should be done.

It's important to make your puppy feel comfortable about grooming from an early age. Look into its ears, eyes, nose and mouth regularly. Look at its paws to prepare it for claw trimming when it needs it. Brush or comb your puppy regularly.

As you welcome your puppy, keep these in mind:
Gentleness. Care. Patience. Consistency. Praise. Love.
Your reward will be a delightful companion for years to come.