So, you’ve got a new puppy….congratulations! As excited as you may be about your new arrival, however, please refrain from throwing a welcome-home party! Remember, your little companion is in a strange place, surrounded by strange faces. Because dogs are natural pack animals, don't segregate your new pet from the rest of the family, or she may feel as if she's done something wrong. Rather, keep her with you, play with her, cuddle her, just let her learn that she is part of the family.

When you first walk in the door with your new pooch on her leash, take her to the room where she'll likely spend most of her time, such as the family room or kitchen. Let her sniff and search and explore her new world. In the kitchen, show her the food and water dishes you've got especially for her. Show her her toys and her bedding. Let her know how happy you are that she's part of your family.

Don't change your new pup's diet right away. She's already nervous, so feed her the food she's used to eating. If you want to change her food, wait a week or two, then gradually introduce the new food. Your dog's diet is important if you want to keep her healthy and active for many years.

It's helpful if your new puppy has something, such as a toy or even a towel, from when she was with her mother and littermates. Something that has the smell of "home" on it.

With all the excitement, your dog will likely need to go to the bathroom before long, so don't put her on your brand-new rug or carpet, or she may piddle out of excitement! Now is the time to introduce her to her designated toilet spot outside. Be sure this is the spot you want her to use, because she will return to it over and over again. Try to keep young children at bay until your new pet has had a chance to relax in her new environment. And if you have other pets, introduce them gradually.

Opinions vary over the best place for your dog to sleep. The best advice: start a puppy off in the room you eventually want him to sleep in. Want to let your new puppy sleep in your bed? Lots of people do, but be warned: This will very quickly become a habit! If Fido gets to sleep with you as a new puppy, plan on having Fido in your bed for life (unless, of course, you want to retrain a grown adult dog!).

Many experts recommend that your puppy sleep in a crate. To some, that may seem cruel, but a roomy crate that's the right size for your dog can end up being his favorite place. Janet Lalonde, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in Alexandria, Ontario, believes that for a puppy, a crate really is the best sleeping place. "It dramatically reduces house-training problems and destructive chewing until the pup has grown into a dependable adult."

Your little puppy is going to be terrified the first few nights -- she's missing her mother and siblings, and she hasn't bonded yet with you. So, yes, she's going to cry and whine, and there's a good chance neither one of you will get much sleep for a few nights! One solution is to try putting her crate next to your bed so you can put your fingers in to calm and soothe her during the night.

Another good place for your dog's bed is the kitchen because it's quiet at night. A basement is also a good place, especially if your puppy is going to grow into a large dog! Wherever you decide will be the sleeping place for your puppy, be sure it's safe, comfortable, and warm, and that it's not near any drafts. And, if all goes well, you’ll soon both be sleeping through the night... and this little puppy will grow to become a bona fide member of your family.

About the Author: Lisa Pallardy is the owner of http://www.BarkTalk.com an interactive site for dog lovers featuring information on dog care and training, discounts on dog supplies you need, a gift shop for dogs and dog lovers, and beautiful Pet Greetings, including New Puppy Adoption Announcements. She is the mother of 6 children and lover of 3 dogs. For permission to reprint this article, please contact the author at Lisap@Barktalk.com