re: Tips/Advice needed for bringing home a new pup.

Kennel train, buy a kennel that they can grow into make sure it has a divider - when you first start don't give them any more room than they need to get in turn around and lay down. I wouldn't put anything in the kennel except maybe a blanket definitely nothing with stuffing in it, you don't want them to associate the kennel with play time.

Let the puppy and your 2yr old have at - my oldest son has Down syndrome and was terrified of any kind of animal, the 2 are inseparable now it is pretty amazing the bond a puppy and kid have and what it grows into.

Good luck and have fun