new puppy advice

If this is an Aussie, I'm not sure I'd use the bell on the door.  The dog may associate it with just getting outside, and you will have jingling bells endlessly.  Aussies are very good at learning where the toilet is, and so long as you are diligent about preventing accidents indoors, they learn to go outside, and to hold it until you let them out.  I never mind an Aussie that doesn't "ask" to go out.  Of course, you must be faithful about not forgetting to let the dog out on a reasonable schedule for its age and continence level)

ORIGINAL: spiritdogs

If this is an Aussie, I'm not sure I'd use the bell on the door.  The dog may associate it with just getting outside, and you will have jingling bells endlessly.  Aussies are very good at learning where the toilet is, and so long as you are diligent about preventing accidents indoors, they learn to go outside, and to hold it until you let them out.  I never mind an Aussie that doesn't "ask" to go out.  Of course, you must be faithful about not forgetting to let the dog out on a reasonable schedule for its age and continence level)

Awww, never thought about that! They are pretty smart huh? LOL So maybe just the schedule should be enough! I am so excited! What about the food? Is DVP a good quality food?

I think Natural Balance is a great choice. The ingredients are top of the line.
 
Some people here with small pups have use a 'tether' line - literally tethering the dog to you while indoors for the first while (unless they are in the crate). This virtually reduces the potential for accidents to zero.
 
Having just finished a puppy kindergarten with my adolescent pup, these are the things I personally would focus on right from day one. Of course you will hear about all this in your class too, but I thought I'd mention it:
 
- Preventing separation anxiety. Making the puppy feel comfortable and secure when alone.
 
- Socialization of course, with every person, thing, and noise you can think of.
 
- Resource guarding - prevent it now before it creeps up on you.
 
Good luck, that's really exciting! Can't wait to see pics!

How can you prevent separation anxiety?
My dog does not like to be alone.  He is only calm when someone is there.  Any advice appreciated.

Congratulations, and as you can see I'm an Aussie lover too!  I agree 100% with Spiritdogs, I wouldn't do the bell thing.  Aussies are a very smart, and high-energy breed and I could just see that backfiring on you!  My now 6 month old took about 4 weeks to completely housebreak, and he never lets us know when he has to go out, but he will hold it until we do.  I usually let him out before and after being crated, 1/2 hour after eating and/or drinking a lot of water, after a nap, and after a big play session.

My first Aussie pup I got at 4 months old was great with the crate from day one, never minded going in it (cried a little at first but settled right away), and never soiled his crate.  My 2nd one I got at 7 weeks old and she is wetting her crate, but I find that if I leave out the towel (so there's nothing to absorb the pee) she won't pee in it.  I think part of it is just immaturity, so I still put the towel in if I think she won't be able to hold it (for longer periods).  Once she gets a little older and has more control of her bladder, I'll leave the towel out to break her of it.

My younger one is also very vocal, which I have heard some Aussies can be.  She'll bark just to get your attention when she wants to play, or she'll bark at the cat, or she'll bark just to bark.  We call Krystal the little yapper.
 
My older one is a toy freak!!  He's happy as long as you are throwing the ball for him to fetch or catch.  He'll bring it back to us over and over and over and over, until you finally tell him to go lay down and chill out!
 
FetchtheballCatchtheballFetchtheballCatchtheballFetchtheballCatchtheball
FetchtheballCatchtheballFetchtheballCatchtheballFetchtheballCatchtheball
 
That's Tucker!