One thing I can tell you, you need for sure is a kong, you fill one end of it with peanut butter, or squirt cheese, and they play for hours with it, keeps them busy when you are busy, Get a crate for potty training, Sounds like your going to be a great, Pet Parent, congratulations on your new addition

I've raised two dogs, one was a lab mix and the other a german shepherd mix. If you're getting a puppy you're going to have to pick out a smaller puppy sized collar, though as he gets bigger opt for something thick with a bit of weight to it. Once he grows a bit more you'll probably need a pinch collar for walking. I know they look cruel, but I promise you they aren't. They don't hurt the dog unless he starts yanking on the lease, and then a gentle tug give just a dull pinch to remind him not to drag you off in a mad squirrel chase. I think they have less intense looking ones for puppies that can help when your lease training your dog.

Also, when it comes to leases, just get a heavier lease that's a bit more than three or four feet long. DO NOT get a retractable lease. When walking your puppy, as you do on a daily basis, he should always be beside you, not in front of you. Not to mention that nothing will irritate your neighbors more than having your dog 20 feet in front of you where you can't reel him in fast enough to get him out of the way of a car/dog/child/ etc. Sticking to the more standard size, thicker leases will give you more control when you're walking your dog, and he'll have MUCH better manners.

As far as toys go, you don't need eight million cheap rubbery things that he'll ripe to shreds in a matter of minutes. A heavy rubber ball (tho frisbees can be good too) are good for playing, though he might need something less heavy at first. For big dogs, I find the bleached (horse?) bones that petsmart sells are really great, and are quite a help when the puppy is teething. While rawhides seem like a great idea, they get sticky, wet and nasty really fast, and can mold.

You should know about how big your dog is going to get. Petsmart has kennels in different sizes that are recommended by the dogs end weight. Getting one can be good if you plan on leaving the house (but never for more than a few hours!), or for when it's bedtime. We taught our dogs the command "kennel up." We also used "night night" for when it was bedtime in the kennel. We also put a big pillow in there and taught our dogs that the kennel was their "safe zone," and that no one would bother them when they were in there. If you don't get a kennel, at least get a pillow and teach your dog that when he's on it he'll be left alone, that it's his space. Our dogs love their kennels and just use it for safe space now when they are really tired; we don't even keep the doors on them any more.

Stick to small treats. That way you can give him more each day, which is good, especially when you are training. Milkbone makes tiny ones that look like little rolled up sausages that are great for this, as well as really tiny bone shaped treats.

Before we started taking our dogs to the groomers, we just used a really mild shampoo on them. The tear free stuff for kids is always a good idea. We've used both shedding brushes (on the lab) and combs (on the shepherd) with great results.

Hope you enjoy the new puppy!

Try www.radiantpet.com. The Wholesome Heart treats are low in fat and will not cause your dog to gain weight. Also, the pork chews are great and safe unlike raw hide.

it depends on if your getting a girl or a boy