Bringing a new puppy into your home and family's lives will be a wonderful experience. However, a great deal of discipline, money, and responsibility will be required to care for this new family member. Preparing your home for the puppy does not have to be terribly complicated. Before your puppy's homecoming, make sure to have the following essentials.

Feeding Must-Haves

Obviously, your puppy will need to eat, but you may not realize how much food will be necessary. In most cases, you will bring your puppy home around the 8-weeks of age mark. This is the time where your puppy will need to start eating solid food.

Make sure to stock up on quality food, specifically formulated for puppies. Give your puppy ½ cup of food three times a day. You should have an ongoing supply of fresh, clean water available, as well. If you are unsure about your puppy's needs, ask the veterinarian for more information.

Purchase small treats to use while you are training your puppy. Reward your puppy with a treat each time they use the bathroom outside.

Invest in a food and water bowl set of average size. You do not want your puppy eating and drinking from a bowl too large, so bigger is not always better.

Sleeping Must-Haves

Your puppy will sleep most of the time, just like a newborn baby. To ensure they remain safe and comfortable, invest in a crate and bedding.

Most dogs enjoy having their own private space, which a crate offers. Choose a crate that is not too big for your puppy, but large enough that they can use it for at least a year.

Add a foam mattress to the bottom of the crate and a soft blanket for added comfort.

Allow your puppy to sleep in the crate at night, closing the door to prevent accidents while you are sleeping. During the day, leave the crate door open so your puppy can go in and out of their private space as they wish.

Entertainment Must-Haves

Your puppy will be playful, but you do not want them to use your personal belongings as toys. Before your puppy's homecoming, invest in a few toys that they will enjoy chewing on.

Make sure the toys are not small enough where they could be swallowed. The toys should be made of durable materials, such as thick ropes and hard rubber.

Lastly, a collar and lease are definitely essentials for training your puppy and exercising them outdoors. You should be able to place your fingers comfortably under the collar when your puppy is wearing it around their neck.

A new puppy is exciting, but proper preparation is key. Using this list and your veterinarian's help, you will be ready for your puppy's homecoming.