Puppies normally leave their mothers between 8 and 12 weeks. Before you take the puppy home ask about the kind of care it was getting. Try to feed the same type of food for at least a few days and introduce any new diet gradually. Find out if the puppy has had any vaccinations and if it has, you should be given a certificate signed by a vet. All puppies have worms and so regular worm treatment (usually every 2 weeks at first) is vitally important in the first year of life. Find out when your puppy was last treated for worms and ask your vet for advice about continuing treatment in your home.