Congratulations on the new pup, Maggie Mae. BTW, my first little girl is named Maggie Mae also. From the Rod Stewart song which popped into my head when I first saw her. Don't ask me why; I don't know.
You've received good advice here. One thing about socializing. I began taking Maggie outside (to do business and socialize) immediately after bringing her home. I was VERY CAREFUL to keep her away from other doggie doo doo, other dogs I did not know and so forth. But, I socialized her with people, children and a few dogs which I knew personally and I knew to be healthy and fully vaccinated. This avoids most of the risk of the puppy getting sick before the complete round of shots is finished. Since I'm very big on socializing dogs, I wanted to start as soon as possible. Worked well for us and Maggie had no problems, illnesses or anything and now she is so very well socialized it amazes me sometimes. She's such a good dog around other dogs and people, and especially children (except for that jumping up and licking their faces stuff, which we'll continue to work on).
Get a crate, make it your Maggie's home from day one. Put in her blankie, her toys, perhaps a small travel clock (tick tick like a mother's heartbeat), and plenty of toys. Also, at night, you might want to consider putting the crate near your bed so if the dog whines or is scared or wakes up and needs to go out, you are right there to say a soothing word or get up quickly to take the dog outside.
Also, start housebreaking the dog immediately. Get a good schedule going (many books and internet sits on housebreaking schedules). Pups need to go out every hour or so for the first few weeks, and after eating and after playing and before bedtime and right when they get up. I was lucky that Maggie always has slept through the night and never needed to get up to go out in the middle of the night unless she was sick. Then she has always awakened me to let me know she needed to go out.
Get a bell and rope and put it on the door knob or near the door and every time you go outside, ring the bell before you go out. The dog will soon learn that as a signal to let you know she needs to go out (hopefully).
Don't know where you live, but vet visits are frequent and can be expensive -- especially spaying -- for the first year. Be prepared. They are like kids in that they do get a lot of little illnesses, infections, etc., and it is good because it builds up their immune systems, just like humans. But, of course, we are all paranoid that first year and run to the vet and the slightest drip of a nose or loss of a tooth. After that, things hopefully slow down and you get back to just routine visits.
I'm sure you'll have lots of fun stories to tell, and more questions to ask as your pup grows. Best of luck and most of all ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY !!!!!!!
