ongratulations! You are the proud new parent for a wonderful puppy or dog! Please refer to the following information to help make your transition into a new life together easier. Even if you are an experienced pet caregiver, there may be some new information here, so please take a few minutes to read over this guide.
 
What you will need:

• Collar with ID tag
• Leash
• Stain/odor remover
• Water and food bowls
• Premium dog food
• Food storage bin and scoop
• Brush/comb
• bed
• crate
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Nail clippers
• dog/puppy care book
• Toys and treats
• Chew items

Helpful Hints 

Welcome Home
 Try to arrange the arrival of your new dog for a weekend or when you can be home for a few days. Get to know each other and spend some quality time together. Don't forget the jealousy factor—make sure you don't neglect other pets and people in your household!
 
Assume your new dog is not housetrained. Read over the housetraining information given to you at the time of adoption. Be consistent, and maintain a routine! A little extra effort on your part to come home straight from work each day will pay off in easier, faster housetraining.
 
Crating
A crate may look to you like the canine equivalent of a jail cell, but to your dog, who instinctively likes to den, it's a room of his own. It makes housetraining and obedience-training easier.
 
Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may slip out the door—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that they will be returned home safely.
 
Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your friends or family with pets for a referral.
 
Establish a Routine
Dogs are creatures of habit. A consistent routine for feeding, exercising, and potty time will help your dog adjust.
 
Give your dog a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
 
A slow, quiet approach is best for acclimating your dog to his/her new home. Introducing your new dog to other family members requires some planning, especially if the family includes children or other pets. All household members should be shown how to safely handle a dog. Remember that the newcomer is in a strange place and may be nervous at first.
 
Sign-up for an obedience class
Dogs are pack animals who need leadership and rules to survive. Training will make your dog a trustworthy, socialized family member and forge a bond with your dog. Group classes teach you how to communicate with your dog despite distractions, and your dog will benefit from this socialization opportunity. Learn more about Humane Society puppy & dog training classes.
 
Groom your dog often to keep her coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired dogs to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired dogs need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible.
 
Be loyal to and patient with your dog. Make sure the expectations you have of your companion are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved.