First of all decide which part of your home will be off-limits. It will be better for your new Chihuahua to allow freer reign as he ages rather than to suddenly no longer allow him where he once could go.

Chihuahuas seem to like to perch on high places while surveying its surroundings. A Chihuahua can be severely injured jumping off high places. As a general rule if they can't jump up to a place by themselves, they shouldn't jump down from that place. You can make a ramp that leads to favorite lookouts or nesting spots.

You need to prepare for a new Chihuahua puppy just as you need to prepare for a new baby, with some changes of course. Furnish your home with Chihuahua ?stuff? as the next step toward making your house his home. Some sources for supplies are large pet stores, dog shows, discount pet catalogs and the internet.

Toys

Fleece-type toys, balls, stuffed animals?..make sure no part of the toy including squeakers or plastic eyes can be pulled out or swallowed.

Chew bones

A chew bone is the equivalent of a teething ring for babies.

Food and water bowls

Avoid plastic, which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. The best food dishes are stainless steel and for water, use a water bottle.

Food

Start with the same food the pup is currently eating. If you change his food, do this gradually.

Soft buckle collar

A cat collar may work better for Chihuahua puppies.

Lightweight leash

An adjustable show lead is good for puppies.

Grooming

Soft brush

Clothes

According to your climate, you may need sweaters, coats or fleece t-shirts. Purchase stylish lightweight shirts for warmer climates.

Accessories

Chihuahuas look nice in necklaces pearl or jewels with fancy charms. Experiment with different looks and have fun with the accessories you choose to compliment your Chihuahua's clothes.

Dog shampoo is essential to have on hand for your new puppy. Use guillotine type nail clippers. A first aid kit is also helpful.

Other Items to have on hand include but are not limited to: baby gates, dog beds, a crate, X-pen or playpen, fenced outdoor area, doggy door, poop scoop (a two-piece rake type is best for grass.)

Identification: A license tag is a good means of ID, but large tags should be avoided. A tag made of a brass plate fit snug to the collar is best. Collars can come off and dogs aren't always wearing them when they're lost. Microchips are proving to be very successful for tracing lost dogs. Your vet injects a microchip about the size of a grain of rice just over the dog's shoulders. There are special readers that pass over the dog to read the owner's information from the chip.

Nobody plans to lose a dog. Those who plan ahead with proper identification have a better chance of finding a lost dog.