Hi,

We willbe adopting a Westie later in the year, any advice on stuff to buy etc.

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You don't have to go mad and sped a fortune.

Gwen Baileys book the perfect puppy - to get you started down the right track
Pet insurance, find a decent vet and book her in for jabs and microchiping.
Book yourself in for puppy classes
Make sure you get a feeding chart from the breeder so you can feed the same food, if your not happy with the food gradually change it ofer a week or so.
A small puppy lead and collar set to get her used to wearing them.
A soft toy for snuggling.
A chew toy for teething
A small Kong
Are you going to use a crate? So either a crate or dog bed.
And forget about being overly houseproud

Most of all you'll need a ton of patience and love - and have fun

Bet you can't wait for your new puppy - and of course the Pet Forum rules are you must post pictures

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A dog Possesses Beauty without Vanity,Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, And all the Virtues of Man without his Vices.

Pet insurance and microchipping are must haves in my mind.

Good luck

Hi

Thanks for the advise, we are thinking of using a crate and an X pen - do I need both.
Thought the crate would make the pup feel more secure and the pen will be handy if i need to pop out or leave them unattended for a short time.

Got the book you suggested and it really is great, though such a lot to take in, this being our first time. Were a bit nervous that we will make a mess of it.

I have read several articles on how you should bring home your pup, some say in a crate some say on your lap or in a box in the foot well, and suggestions as to which would be more suitable.

And of course lots of pictures will be posted - we cannot wait!!

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You are obviously going to make a good owner because you worry so much about doing things right, but you need to priorities the things to worry about and stop fretting over the small things. Transport your puppy how you would like. Take the crate and the box and you can use them if you feel you need to

As Rona says bring the puppy home in whatever way you feel comfortable.
Some people like to start as they mean to go on and use a crate in the car straight away - I had mine on my lap for that 1st journey home (mainly because I wanted a cuddle )
I did use a crate and a puppy play pen for the first couple of months - just be careful if your puppy is a jumper they can try to jump out and get themselves caught (I never had this problem) and always make sure you remove his collar when left alone in the pen.

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A dog Possesses Beauty without Vanity,Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, And all the Virtues of Man without his Vices.

Thanks for the great advice, i know i'm worrying too much. Its a mixture of excitement and nerves. I just can't wait and want to get everything right. Myself and the kids have always wanted a puppy, and my husdand has finally given in.

We have 2 cats in the house - one 15 and one 7 - i'm hoping having a puppy rather than an older dog this will help the cats accept the new addition.

Any pointers on their first introduction?

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