Once the decision has been made to buy a dog it is necessary to prepare for its arrival and buy the equipment beforehand. At the very least the new dog or puppy will require a feed bowl, water bowl, collar and lead, dog food, a dog bed and some suitable dog toys.

It will also be necessary to decide how to travel with home with the dog or puppy so that a dog guard or travel harness for the car or a travel box can be purchased prior to collecting the dog or puppy.

It is also necessary to consider the home environment and make any changes necessary before picking up the dog or puppy.

If buying a puppy, it is best to look around the house from floor level for the following dangers and remedy:

• Electric cables that a puppy may be able to chew
• Furniture that the puppy may be able to squeeze underneath and become trapped
• Objects that the puppy may be able to reach and chew or swallow
• Gaps in garden fencing, and gates that the puppy may be able to escape through
• Ensure that the puppy cannot fall climb up and fall down stairs by fitting stair guards
• Ensure there are no objects which could fall on the puppy within the house or garden
• Put up fencing around any garden hazards such as ponds or pools

If buying an older dog the above will also need to be considered but obviously a larger dog is less likely to be able to crawl under furniture, squeeze through small gaps, etc.