Owning a New Puppy ... Things to Think About?

[dippykitty]

We have plans to get a puppy (for the first time) and I'm busy reading up before we go ahead and take the plunge. I've been reading this puppy guide, which gives info on vaccinations, neutering, flea treatments, pet insurance and so on but just wondering if those of you who have already brought up puppies have any other insights that you can share with me briefly?

[Chippychop]

Bump I'm in the same position

[Alisvolatpropiis]

I read the Cesar Milan puppy book before I got my puppy. I would recommend it. I've heard he's a somewhat controversial figure re training aggressive dogs but this puppy book I found to be very good (and not at all eyebrow raising).

It makes an interesting point re what we think is affection and what a dog thinks of as affection.

I think the list went

Exercise
Training (including socialisation with other dogs)
Food
Cuddles

Also made the point that puppy's don't know how to be dogs. So we make them what they are 9/10 times in terms of behaviour.