AKC's Getting Ready for a  New Puppy Use these links to learn more Bringing a puppy home is a joyous event. But there are many things to consider before getting a puppy. Similar to all life events, time flies, and your puppy will grow into a dog in no time. You should do some serious research and self-evaluation before making this significant commitment. Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog It is important to obtain ample information to help you select a puppy. Hopefully you have already done some homework, researching the breeds and considering how their various traits will fit with your lifestyle before you begin to select a puppy. Questions to Ask Your Breeder A puppy requires a lot of care and attention, so it is a good idea to plan ahead and buy the things you�ll need before you bring him or her home. Here�s a checklist of some basics to get you started. New Puppy Owner's Checklist