New puppy arriving - any tip please?

[Equimum]

We have been planning to get a puppy for several years and, finally, the time is nearing. Our girl is coming home in September. We met her at a week old and have visited every week since. She is coming with a blanket that's been in the puppy pen, and we have taken a toy that's also there.

The thing is, we've never had a dog (DH has one growing up, and I've been around them lots), but we've never actually raised a puppy. I'm under no illusion that it's going to be easy and we are prepared for that.

Pup is a labradoodle and is currently puppy pad trained and looks up to a whistle. We have booked her second vaccinations in (and made sure the vet can give the second dose of what she starts with), but what else should we be planning in advance? Does anyone have any suggestions of things we need to buy, things we need to do to our home etc? Any tips would be much appreciated, as we've never had a puppy before and feel a little overwhelmed, alongside the excitement.

• Puppy proof. They get into everything and chew everything! Have a read on what's toxic to dogs (certain plants and foods) and make sure you keep them well out of the way. I would also lock away things like bins.

• Be prepared for accidents - I'm personally not a fan of pad-training puppies as I think it encourages them to toilet inside the house. Get a decent pet cleaner to get rid of any smells and start toilet training them to go outside from day one.

• Are you planning to crate train? If so, get the crate etc. all set up before the puppy comes home so it's there from day one and they're used to it.

I'm afraid I also need to see a photo

Get some hard wearing toys to swap for your slippers/remote/sleeves/hands. Cheap ones are a false economy so go for the Kong range, which are pretty tough. Check them regularly for wear.
The puppy weeks are hard work. Keep going, it gets easier!

Have a plan for your first few nights. Chances are high you'll get very little sleep. Where will puppy be sleeping? Will you sleep with them to start with, repeatedly go to them, do decreasing presence? Etc. A warm hot water bottle wrapped in a towel can help.
Have a discussion about who is going to get up for the puppy. Chances are you'll be up for the day around 5 whilst they're little.

Whilst toilet training - take them outside more times than you can ever imagine. Any time they finish playing, feeding, drinking, sleeping, anytime they start pacing - straight outside. Huge amounts of praise, do the "yay wee wee dance" so your neighbours think you're crazy. You want to make toileting outside the most exciting thing in the world.

You will spend the first few weeks months wondering what on earth you've done and why the hell you've done it. It does pass. Slowly

Teach him to settle as soon as he's old enough to start grasping commands. The process of learning to be calm and inactive in your presence is one of the most beneficial lessons a dog can learn.

Good luck. Enjoy. They don't stay little for long thank god come back and let us know how you get on!