Immediately upon acquiring your new pup, purchase the appropriate weight buckle collar and leash. The leash length should allow for casual walking and elimination room. Along with these two absolutely necessary tools, you need suitable indoor confinement of approximate bed space size (i.e., a crate, cage or kennel) the moment you arrive home with your furry companion.

Two optional tools that aid in pup rearing include a secure outdoor confinement system such as a fenced yard, dog run, or even something as small as 6x6 exercise pen to allow for fresh air, elimination, and exercise. If such a system is not possible, a long line or long leash will substitute. Preferable length would be 25 to 50 ft.

House-training begins the moment you arrive home. Designate an outdoor area and devise a schedule before you come home with your pup. If you prefer, you may want to set-up an indoor relief area such as a litter box large enough to accommodate your new puppy or pee-pads placed in a defined or designated area.

Regardless of your pup's medical history, schedule a physical exam with your vet.

Patience! Patience! Patience! Give your new companion time to grow and develop into a responsible adult. He will, most likely, neither be fully house trained in 2 weeks, nor obedience trained in 4 months regardless of how exceptional he is, or how diligent you are.

Puppies chew, puppies dig, puppies pee and poop, that is what puppies do, be prepared. Your role is to love, supervise and direct.

Structured obedience training can begin when your pup is emotionally mature enough to be accountable and responsible. He needs to be capable of sustained focus and energy control, and he needs to be able to think calmly. The approximate age where these things come together is about 16-24 weeks of age.

Manners: Light instruction in the way of social interaction rules and manners can begin as early as 8-11 weeks of age, when the pup is removed from its mother and litter-mates.

Socialization: Socialization continues after you remove your pup from its mother and litter-mates. Immediately expose your puppy to normal family activity, which includes interactions with visitors, playtime in front yard, as soon as you feel up to it, short walks are in order.

Socialization is exposure to new sights, sounds, and animals. With regards to socialization with animals, it is important to understand that it is not necessary, nor is it recommended, to let your pup have physical contact with other animals. This is to avoid disease transmission and to avoid heightening animal interests. Just being in the presence of other animals is adequate exposure to satisfy the needs of socialization. Also, socialization experiences should feel safe to your pup. Don't allow people to force themselves on your new guy, especially if he seems uncomfortable with the experience.

The need to discipline a puppy is a rare occurrence. If the situation arises where the pup is truly hostile, or defiant, in behavior utilize leash and collar tugs as a deterrent instead of scolding, spanking, and time outs.

With puppies, as well as adult dogs, avoid negative emotion when communicating your wishes. Let your actions speak louder than words.

Allow your positive emotion to bubble over when rewarding or praising your pup's appropriate behavior.

Don't allow, nor should you expect, your older dog to raise or train your pup, this is your job as captain of the team. Organizing multi-dog households is important but don't make them into a unit. Individual time is critical for a healthy relationship.

With regards to puppy biting, there is a definite distinction between playful mouthing and hostile biting. Although playful mouthing can be hurtful, it is usually innocent and can be easily redirected with leash and collar handling. If you are concerned that your puppy's mouthing could be hostile, you should seek professional advice.

Begin grooming procedures early, rather real or simulated, to accustom your pup to procedures like nail trimming, brushing, and ear cleansing.

Puppies begin learning the rules and forming relationship dynamics immediately. So be aware, the moment the puppy passes through your front door he is learning from experience and modeling.

Don't be afraid to take a break from your supervisory responsibilities. Whenever you feel like it, put your pup in an indoor or outdoor safe place for playing or napping - guilt free like a seasoned dog handler.