Because you and your new dog need time to get to know one another, plan to bring your dog home on the start of a weekend or during a vacation period so you'll be able to give the new arrival the time and attention it deserves. You'll also need this time to get used to being a new dog owner.

It would be best to have someone else accompany you for the pickup trip. Before you leave for home with the dog, make sure you walk it so it can relieve itself. Dogs often urinate or defecate when they get nervous. If you are getting the pup from the breeder, the all-important blankie (a piece of fabric impregnated with the mother's scent) should already be at the breeder's house. You should wrap the pup in it to be held in someone's lap or tuck it in a pet carrier or crate for the trip home. If it's cold outside, the blanket will also keep the pup from becoming chilled. Not only will an extra person help calm the puppy down, it will also make the car ride less traumatic, preventing travel-related stress and possible car sickness.

On the ride home, the person holding the puppy should speak reassuringly and pat it lovingly. Once you arrive home, take your new dog to the designated potty area for another try at doing its business before you go indoors. If it does, you're off to a good start, so offer lots of praise! You'll want to begin housebreaking right away, and this is your first opportunity. In winter, or if you live in a high-rise apartment, you may opt to paper-train or litter train your small dog rather than constantly take it outside. If that is the case, you should already have those needed supplies on hand as well as a designated indoor potty area for your new little housemate.