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Care of a New Puppy

by Jennifer Marshall

Overview

The day a new puppy becomes a member of your family is sure to be a memorable one, filled with photos, new toys and snuggles. It's important to remember, though, that from even the first day, you will need to spend a significant amount of time training your pup. With consistent effort during the first few weeks your puppy is at home, you can establish habits for him that will lead to a lifetime of good behavior.
Supplies and Preparation

Before you bring your puppy home, determine what pet supplies you will need to have on hand. Most trainers recommend new puppies be kept in crates overnight and any time you cannot directly supervise them. There are a variety of wire, plastic or mesh crates available. Other important purchases include food and water dishes, food, chew toys, a collar and leash and a cleaning product specifically designed to eliminate pet stains in case of any accidents. You will also want to determine which areas of your house the puppy will be allowed when he is not in his crate. Get down on your knees and examine the area from the puppy's eye level. Are there any items that look particularly enticing or may be tempting to chew on? Puppy-proof the area as much as possible.

Housebreaking

In order to teach your puppy that the only acceptable place to go to the bathroom is outside, establish a consistent routine for him. Be sure to take him outside first thing in the morning and immediately after eating as new puppies generally need to go right away when they wake up or eat. When the puppy goes to the bathroom outside, enthusiastically praise him and make it a big deal. If he has an accident in the house, say "No" in an even tone, but do not yell. It is also important to purchase an appropriately sized crate. Your puppy should be able to stand up and turn around, but there should not be room for the dog to be able to go to the bathroom inside. When the crate is the proper size, your puppy will generally refrain from going to the bathroom inside of it.
Varied Experiences

Getting your puppy used to a wide variety of people, situations and experiences will save you time and headaches in the future. At home, spend time brushing, bathing, petting, wrestling with and trimming your puppy so he becomes accustomed to it and is no longer skittish or afraid. After your puppy has had all of his necessary shots, take him to a training class, dog park or pet supply store so he can experience seeing and interacting with other dogs and people. Doing so will train your puppy to react calmly and curiously to new situations rather than aggressively or fearfully.
Vet Care

If you have friends or neighbors who have dogs, ask them for a recommendation for a good veterinarian in your area. If your puppy is less than 4 months old when you get him, he will need vaccinations soon, so you'll want to establish a relationship with a vet. The vet can also provide suggestions for the best food, heartworm medications and flea preventatives for your puppy.