The basics of puppy care
They are cute and cuddly and everyone loves them. Their eyes are bright and inquisitive, and their tails move at 100 miles per hour. Who doesn’t want a new puppy? Getting a puppy can be a great addition to the family, but it’s important to remember that they are just babies and will require a lot of puppy care. Puppies depend on you to feed them and teach them the things they need to know as babies. They will need a lot of attention and patience.
Puppy Supplies
It’s a good idea to prepare the house well before the new puppy comes home for the first time. Stock up on all the supplies your pup will need as a new member of the family. The first items to purchase will be feeding supplies, and these include water and food bowls, as well as high-quality dry food specially formulated for puppies. It’s also a good idea to get your puppy a crate, as most puppy care information includes all the benefits of crate training dogs. You can line the bottom of his crate with an old blanket or towel that is comfortable for your pup to sleep on.
A collar and leash are other good supplies to buy before you bring your pup home, as well as some chew toys and grooming supplies like shampoo and nail clippers. To make sure your chew toys are safe for your new pup, avoid items like rawhide that can break and get stuck in a small dog’s throat, and opt for durable items like a Nylabone chew toy for play. Hopefully, having a few of these toys on hand will discourage your dog from chewing on other items like his favorite shoes or living room chairs.
Feeding your puppy
Feeding your puppy is a very important part of puppy care, as they build bones and muscles as they grow. Remember to feed your puppy food formulated for puppies and not for adults. Puppies grow quickly and have special nutritional requirements.
Growing puppies should generally eat twice a day, but don’t leave dry food out so they can nibble or “graze.” You can’t depend on your pup to stop eating when he’s full. Some will, but others will eat themselves sick. It’s also a good idea for his future health to let your pup get used to regular meal times. Canned food is optional but not necessary for good nutrition. It’s more of a special gift.
The breaking and entering and the new puppy
A very important part of puppy care is housebreaking. This requires patience, and lots of it. This will be one of the first training goals you will have for your pup. Make sure you have plenty of cleaning supplies on hand, as accidents can happen.
Many puppies will need to leave right after eating, so this is a good time to take them out. At other times it will give you some kind of signal, sometimes it sniffs around, or it turns around looking for a place. Watching his cue can tell you when you and your pup should be hitting the door running. It will take a little time for your pup to get used to this routine. Remember that dogs naturally want to leave their home base for elimination. Eventually they’ll get the message, but not until they’ve had a few accidents. The key is not to give up. Don’t get mad at the puppy because he’s just trying to learn what you want him to do. For best results, use loving patience while getting into the habit.
puppies and kids
Puppies and children usually get along well together, but it is never advisable to leave young children and puppies together unsupervised. Sometimes a puppy is too wild for children, and sometimes the child is too exuberant for the puppy. Either way, someone could get hurt. Most parents want a puppy specifically as a companion for their children, so monitor puppy-child interactions while simultaneously teaching both the puppy and children limits and rules for safe and nurturing play. fun.
Taking your new puppy to the vet
One of the first things you will need to do with your new puppy is to take him to the vet. It is very important that your new puppy receive all of his vaccinations. Vaccines are a necessary part of puppy care, as they prevent many life-threatening diseases. Your vet will also check for worms and discuss the best option for flea and heartworm protection, and advise you when to take your new pet in for a spay or neuter. Your vet will provide you with the best information on feeding, sleeping and health care for your puppy.
Many vets will recommend obedience classes as part of your pup’s care. These courses will teach you how to train your dog to be an obedient and acceptable member of your family. You can find obedience classes through your vet, breeder, or local pet store. Puppies grow up to be dogs, and the care and training they received as puppies will determine their temperament as adults.
There are plenty of websites that will offer the puppy grooming information you’ll need. Other good sources of puppy care information include your vet’s office, local library, or the shelter from which you adopt your puppy.