There's no denying that puppies are among the most beautiful animals on the planet. On the other hand, being the parent of a new dog isn't easy. The following is a collection of resources to help you care for the new addition to your family.
When you first bring your new puppy home, you can be sure of three things:
- You will be overjoyed
- Your life will change dramatically
- You have been given a great responsibility
You'll quickly discover that a food bowl and a dog house aren't enough for a growing puppy to thrive. They need much more than that. While it may seem like a lot of effort at first, it will be worth it in the end. Developing healthy habits during those first few sleepless weeks can bring you and your new puppy years of enjoyment.
1. Find a reputable veterinarian for your new puppy
You probably already know that the first place you should take your new puppy is to the vet for a checkup. But just in case, this consultation will not only ensure your puppy is healthy and free of serious health problems, birth defects, and other issues, but it will also help you get started on an effective preventative health routine for your puppy. If you don't have a vet yet, ask people they know who are reputable. If you adopted your dog from a shelter, ask your vet for recommendations. They likely have a veterinarian they like and trust. Dog groomers and dog walkers in your area are also good places to look for ideas.
2. Make the most of your first consultation with your vet
Talk to your local veterinarian about the types of puppy meals they recommend, as well as how often and how much to feed your new pet.
- Consult with your veterinarian to establish a vaccination schedule.
- Discuss both external and internal methods of parasite control that are risk-free in their application.
- Find out how to recognize the signs of illness in the first few months of your puppy's life.
- Be sure to ask your vet when you should have your dog spayed or neutered.
3. Spend your money on good quality food for your new puppy
Because your puppy's body is still developing significantly, you should choose a meal specifically formulated for puppies rather than one designed for older dogs. Look for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the packaging of the food you buy for your dog to ensure it meets their nutritional needs.
For small and medium breed puppies, the transition to adult dog food can be made between the ages of 9 and 12. Puppy kibble is the right food for large breed puppies until they are two years old. Always ensure there is plenty of clean water available for your new dog to drink.
Feeding should take place many times a day:
- From six weeks of age, puppies are fed four meals a day.
- From the age of three months, dogs are fed three meals a day.
- For dogs aged 6 to 12 months, two meals per day are provided.
4. Set a regular schedule for your new puppy
Because of the discomfort puppies experience when forced to wear diapers, potty training quickly rises to the top of the priority list for most puppy owners. According to those knowledgeable about the subject, the most effective allies you can have in your fight to potty train your puppy are patience, planning, and plenty of positive reinforcement. Because accidents can happen at any time, it's also essential to have a plan for cleaning the carpet in place before beginning the process.
Until your puppy has received all her vaccinations, you should confine her to a part of the yard that is inaccessible to other animals. This helps reduce the risk of transmitting infectious diseases to others. Be careful to praise your dog lavishly if she manages to eliminate outdoors. However, it's almost as important not to scold her if she has an accident indoors.
Recognizing when it's time to take your puppy outside is just as important as appreciating her when she does her business. The correct times to take your new puppy outside to potty are listed in the following table.
- When you just opened your eyes.
- Just before I was about to go to sleep.
- Immediately after your dog has finished eating or drinking a significant amount of water, whichever comes first.
- When it's time for your dog to get up from his nap.
- After you've finished your workout and while you're still sweating in the gym.
5. Be aware of the signs of an emerging disease
In the first few months of their lives, puppies are particularly vulnerable to sudden illnesses, which, if not detected quickly, can be fatal. If you notice any of the symptoms described in the following paragraphs, it is essential to take your puppy to the vet.
- Appetitelessness
- Poor weight gain
- Vomiting
- The swelling in the abdominal area makes the pain worse.
- Laziness (fatigue)
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- A crackling cough or wheezing sound
- gums that are light in color
- Eyes that are swollen, red, or bulging; a discharge from the nose; inability to urinate or defecate;
6. Teaching obedience
Teaching your puppy proper manners will lay the foundation for a lifetime of positive interactions with other people and animals. Furthermore, obedience training can help you and your new puppy develop a stronger bond.
Teaching your dog to obey commands like "sit," "stay," "down," and "come" can not only help keep your dog safe and under control in potentially dangerous situations, but it will also amaze your friends. Obedience classes are a common way for new dog owners to teach themselves and their canine companions proper behavior. In most cases, instructors will begin accepting dogs no younger than four months and no older than six months.
Maintain a positive attitude whenever possible. It's been proven that using positive reinforcement, such as giving the puppy small treats, is much more successful than using punishment.
7. Aim to be social.
Obedience training and other forms of appropriate socialization should begin early in a puppy's life to prevent later behavioral problems. Around two to four months of age, most puppies learn to interact with a variety of dogs and human companions, as well as with environments and activities. You and your dog can gain invaluable social experience by participating in socialization classes, which is an excellent way to achieve this. Be sure to consult your veterinarian at this time about the appropriate activity level for your pet and act accordingly.
