THE GREAT DAY IS HERE! You have considered the Puppy Selection Pointers and done your research on Dog Breeds and their habits, good and bad, as well as any special exercise, care, and temperament requirements for your chosen one. You have observed your darling's interactions in the litter and with people, and the personalities of the dam and sire. So joyously, you have made a wise puppy selection. This adorable little one is ideally suited for your own family, lifestyle, home environment, activity, and time constraints. Now at long last, you and your Perfect Pet are finally ready for perhaps the most exciting step—BRINGING NEW PUPPY HOME!

PAUSE FIRST. Before the puppy makes its Grand Entrance, ask yourself: Are you prepared with both the equipment and knowledge of the requirements for successful introduction of your puppy into the home, for puppy care and puppy training?

While entire books can be written on these subjects, we will touch here on a few major issues and warnings. It is quite true that you never have a second chance to make a first impression!

First consider the date and time for bringing your puppy home. Given the option, you should avoid hectic and confusing times, such a birthday celebration or holiday. You want to select a time when everyone in the family can be present and the atmosphere can be as calm as this joyous occasion permits.

When you reach your home, be sure NOT to carry the pup in. You want to encourage and teach him to follow you inside. You do this with encouraging words and actions, but NOT with food. It is important that he or she sees you as a confident pack leader, not a food dispenser! Affection is the best reward.

Be sure the pup has done his business outside BEFORE coming in. Also, consider the spot you put him down, because puppies like to use the same area each time. So choose where you want him to go, and place him there to begin with. As his business is done, tell him "good wee wee" and "good potty" (or whatever words you choose).

Understand, too, that dogs tend to urinate to show insecurity or submission. This is very likely if you have another dog who is not thrilled with the new pup. Also, if the other dog is over-excited, the puppy is bound to wee!

BEFORE coming in is also the time to introduce any other household pets, especially other dogs. Always introduce dogs on neutral territory, especially if the dogs are the same sex. Introduce them OUTSIDE and not in the house, which the older dog would consider its territory.

You will want to BATHE the pup and dry him with your dog's towel or a towel you rub over your dog first. When the pup smells like the others, they will be more receptive to him.

Make sure your children understand well in advance that dogs are NOT toys, but are live creatures that deserve respect and feel pain the same as any person or animal. The children need to be taken around dogs to see how they react and for them to learn the proper way to treat dogs. Otherwise, children and dogs DO NOT MIX. Most dog bites occur on children – and for a reason!

So your children have been acclimated to dogs and instructed about the new puppy prior to your bringing new puppy home. Now what?

Due to length constraints, this Bringing Puppy Home article is being presented now in two parts. Part B provides Tips and Logistics for The First Days after bringing your puppy home. It addresses such critical matters as interaction of children and dogs, establishing boundaries, growling, potty training, kennel training, and more. After all, you MUST do it right from the start -- or "Katie, bar the door!"