So remind me what I need for a puppy?

 Is this pupper going to have a crate?

Safe chew toys (lots)

Training treats (get baking liver brownies, they freeze well )

How about arranging for a "scent box"?

What food will the breeder be feeding?

Don't forget ID tag for the collar for when he's out in public.  It doesn't need his name on itl.. just your contact details.

Speaking of names... any thoughts? Or do you not to want to jinx it?!

Major edit:  what sorta grooming do these guys need?  Need any special equipment for that?  

Chuffy

 Is this pupper going to have acrate?

Yes, Ben's old one for a bit, which was large enough for Ben fully grown so should be OK for the pup for a few months.  OK, I just realised how crazy it's going to be to have a 6-7 month old puppy the size of my fully grown Lab lol.  

Chuffy

Training treats (get baking liver brownies, they freeze well )

Ooooh good plan, thanks.

Chuffy

How about arranging for a "scent box"?

I'd thought of this but thanks for the reminder, I had forgotten.  

Chuffy

What food will the breeder be feeding?

Can't for the life of me remember, though I know she's told me.  I'll ask again, thanks for the reminder on that too!

Chuffy

 

Don't forget ID tag for the collar for when he's out in public.  It doesn't need his name on itl.. just your contact details.

Yes!  I don't have Ben's name on his, on purpose, and won't have the new dog's either.  I have named him already though.  

For the teething process...wet down some rags (I used to use cloth diapers) and freeze them.  They love to knaw on those...feels good on the gums.

Benedict

Yes!  I don't have Ben's name on his, on purpose, and won't have the new dog's either.  I have named him already though.  

And you're not telling!  ?? Spoil sport

Ooo, oo ooo.... Bitter Apple Spray?

More "ooo"s...

Baby gates?

Do you have a kinda first aid kit for dogs?  You know, basic stuff like hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting if the puppy eats something he shouldn't....

Will this pup be insured?  

Chuffy

Major edit:  what sorta grooming do these guys need?  Need any special equipment for that?  

Not nearly as much as you'd think.  They just need to be brushed to keep mats at bay, and the usual nails/ears/teeth.  Nothing on them, other than paw pads, are ever trimmed except for medical reasons.  The coat is a special texture that dirt doesn't stick to, so really an undercoat rake and a pin brush are the main tools needed.  One of the reasons I love them...like a long-coated breed for the lazy LOL.  

Chuffy

Benedict

Yes!  I don't have Ben's name on his, on purpose, and won't have the new dog's either.  I have named him already though.  

 

And you're not telling!  ?? Spoil sport

Ooo, oo ooo.... Bitter Apple Spray?

Nope!  But I will tell you this - I think you especially (and a few other forum members I know of) will appreciate the name.  

I still have bitter apple, it never stopped Ben so I gave up using it, I should check if there is an expiry date though.  

Chuffy

Baby gates?

Covered, have a couple of great collapsible ones from Mothercare that can fold up and travel with us.  

Chuffy

Do you have a kinda first aid kit for dogs?  You know, basic stuff like hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting if the puppy eats something he shouldn't....

Yes indeed, it's actually one of those "pet" ones to which I've added other things.  

Chuffy

Will this pup be insured?  

Yes, I'll had him to Ben's.  (Through M&S.)

You should write a "getting prepared for your puppy" book, Chuffy. :D

How exciting!!!!  A Marema I assume?

Let's see, for Nikon the things I used most were....

Ex-pens - have two, used one indoors for the first two months whenever I needed time to get something done around the house and kept the other outside for the same reason, doing chores outside - I have no fence.  Now, I use them to make a zig-zag wall in our den/living room when I have people over and we have a bunch of food by the TV, I divide the room in half so I don't have to crate the dogs and they can't bother us.

Crates -  Nikon prefered a partially covered wire crate for sleeping but I also used (and still use) a plastic airline type crate for car transportation.

Simple collar, leash, and simple nylon harness - I used the harness at first for walks, just seemed more comfortable than a collar.

Cleaning supplies and rags - I use Nature's Miracle and keep it down where Nikon played the most, also kept a stash of rags nearby.

Bedding - I got a bunch of old white towels at a thrift shop so if he peed in his pen or crate, I just washed them good with a little bleach.  I'm not one to spend a lot on fancy dog beds.

Nikon's favorite toys have been the baby size Cuz balls, an old leather shoe, stuffies that he tugs on with the other dogs (often I remove the stuffing just to get it over with), puppy sized kongs, a treat dispensing ball, the Busy Buddy Bouncy Bone (by Premier).

When he was real little a braided bully stick would last him days and he could calm down and chew for an hour or two.

If you start puppy proofing now, you might be ready by the time the pup comes home...

Things you might need to get... dog bed, extra collar for Ben for when the pup chews it off, baby gates, canned pumpkin, something to protect any wires - tv, cable, pc ...  

Hmm.......I like the rags+water, then freeze idea - I'll do that if I ever get another puppy!

Beds!! For the crate, and another so Ben doesnt have to share.

Smell-good spray! LOL! Thats what I call it, purfume for dogs, if they smell a little bit but there not 'dirty'...I love it!

Hmmm......I think you need to give us a HINT on the little boys name!!!

 Excellent stuff, I knew I could count on you guys!  Thanks and keep it coming!

misstrouble

Hmmm......I think you need to give us a HINT on the little boys name!!!

You know, I really don't think I do.  

BEVOLASVEGAS

Patience!  Lots, & lots of patience!

Ohh Maremmas have already taught me that LOL.  

 I was going to suggest canned pumpkin because I've heard over and over how good it is for the puppy tummy grumps (when he first comes home) but I've not seen it in any shops here!   Wheee I am so excited!