There was a time when new puppy owners were simply advised to "Get a clean cardboard box, an old blanket a hot water bottle and a ticking alarm clock."
Today, with a better understanding of canine psychology and behaviour, we know that a puppy needs more than a substitute for the sound of his mother's heartbeat. Arm yourself with information! Study the articles on socialization, housebreaking and training.
As far as equipment is concerned, the first thing you'll need is a place for the Pug to sleep. The ideal set-up is a metal or fibreglass kennel. (Buy one that is large enough for the dog to comfortably stand up and turn around in, once full grown.) While many people mistakenly view crate training as cruel, the dog actually sees it as a place of sanctuary - a special place all his own. Throughout his lifetime, the kennel will serve many purposes: as sleeping quarters, a training aid and a car seat belt. Put a clean (washable) blanket and a couple of good chewy toys inside the kennel to make it more comfortable. Where you put the kennel will be the difficult choice. Many dog behaviour specialists recommend the pup sleep in your bedroom - not on your bed, but in his kennel. Allowing the puppy to sleep on your bed is an open invitation for him or her to assume the position of 'alpha' or leader to your family pack, which could lead to problems. As difficult as it may seem at first, you've got to learn to treat him like a dog, not like a human being.
Next, you'll need feeding dishes. Stainless steel are best because Puppy can't chew them, and they're easy to keep clean. Single dishes, one for food and one for water, are recommended, as you'll want to make water available 24 hours a day.
You'll need a six-foot leash and a training collar. Don't buy a large collar hoping the dog will grow into it. Expect to buy several collars over the first few months when rapid growth occurs.
NEVER leave a choke-chain collar on an unsupervised puppy - it can get caught and choke him. For those periods where Puppy will be on his own. or)t for a leather or nylon buckle collar instead.
Chances are, no matter where you live, you'll likely have to have a dog licence. Call your humane society or animal services centre to find out how much they cost and how to buy one. Attach the licence to the buckle collar, not the choke chain.
The grooming tools you'll need will depend on the breed you're buying. Consult your breeder or veterinarian.
Puppy will need something to play with and something to chew during painful periods of teething. Avoid old socks and shoes, wooden toys and bones. These items easily splinter and can damage the delicate tissues of his mouth or cause bowel obstructions is swallowed.
Ice cubes or frozen bagels make ideal teething toys for puppy. (Twisted frozen wash cloths can also be offered, but use them with caution, as bits of cloth can be swallowed.) Balls should be English or Cressite rubber to be safe. Expect to pay a little more the safer, better constructed toys. But keep in mind they'll last much longer.
Next, examine your home and yard for possible dangers. Get down on your hands and knees to see your surroundings from a pup's point of view. Electrical cords, bowls of peanuts and garbage cans take on a whole new perspective!
Remove, replace or relocate any items you feel may fall victim to Puppy's endless curiosity. Block stairways or doorways where necessary. Ensure the yard is well- fenced and maintained.
Finally, ask the breeder what the dog has been eating and stock up on his usual food. (His first few days away from mom and his littermates will be stressful enough - no need to change his diet too!) Sure, 'you can still use the ticking alarm clock for extra comfort, but you also need to use common sense, compassion and creativity to help puppy feel at home in his new surroundings.