Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 5: Getting to Know Your New Home
• Method 2 of 5: Feeding
• Method 3 of 5: Caring for your health
• Method 4 of 5: Grooming
• Method 5 of 5: Training
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Congratulations on the new family member! But do you know how to care for a puppy? This article is for those who have just picked up, bought, or picked up a puppy at least 8 weeks old on the street. As a rule, puppies are weaned from their mother at 8 weeks, and it is not recommended to do this earlier.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: Getting to Know Your New Home

1. 1 Consider if the puppy you are going to adopt is really the right one for you. Does his coat match your climate? Will it grow too large for your apartment or house? Does his temperament match the level of activity that you are able to provide him with? It is very important to answer all these questions in order to understand whether your baby will live happily and happily in your family.
2. 2 Take care of the safety of your home. Puppies use their teeth to explore the world around them, so you will need to take some precautions to keep both your home and your pet safe.
   • Remove all breakable objects from the places where the puppy will be.
   • Raise or cover electrical wires, close low windows.
   • Hide detergents and chemicals.
   • Get a trash can that is high enough for your puppy to be unable to climb into, and so heavy that it cannot be turned over.
   • Consider purchasing a foldable divider so that you can limit your puppy's movement to one room or part of the house.
3. 3 Set up a room for your puppy. Ideal spaces for your puppy are the kitchen or bathroom, because they tend to be warm and the floors are easy to clean. Leave your puppy to sleep in a crate with your room at night. So you can follow him and know when he wants to go outside.
4. 4 Buy two metal bowls. One will be for food, the other for water. Metal dishes are preferable to glass ones, as they do not break and get dirty less. If you have other animals, give each pet a separate bowl to avoid conflicts between them.
5. 5 Arrange a sleeping place. Options can be different: a lounger with a mattress, a soft bed or a wicker basket with a bunch of towels that serve as a bedding. Whichever berth you choose, make sure it is comfortable enough, soft and dry. Also stock up on a blanket in case of cool weather. The puppy must have its own bed so that it does not conflict with other animals because of the sleeping place.
6. 6 Buy toys. You will need a lot of them because the puppies are full of energy. Buy soft toys that you can chew. Try to choose sturdy toys, otherwise your pet may swallow some part and choke. Remember, too, that rawhide treats should not be given to your puppy to play with - they should be used as a treat.
7. 7 Pick up the treats. Training treats should be healthy, small, and easy to chew and swallow. The task of the treat is to quickly reward the puppy for doing the right thing. You don't want to have to pause and wait for the puppy to chew.
   • Any ready-made treats will do.
   • Buy a variety of treats, both crunchy and soft. Soft treats are good for training, while hard treats will help your dog to brush his teeth.
8. 8 Purchase quality dog ​​food. Possible options are dry or canned food, natural homemade food, or raw food, but you will need to check with your veterinarian anyway. Ask the breeder or the person from whom you took the puppy what he is used to eating. Continue to feed your dog this food the first time, and if you want to change the diet, start to do it only after a few weeks. The transition should be smooth (over a week or more). If the diet is changed abruptly, the puppy may develop diarrhea.
   • Choose foods without colors, artificial flavors or preservatives - just like humans, dogs are often allergic to these additives.
9. 9 Buy basic grooming tools. At a minimum, you will need a brush, comb, rubber gloves, nail clipper, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and brush for dogs, and towels. Grooming is not only about grooming the coat. It is also monitoring the health and well-being of the dog.
10. 10 Buy a nylon chest collar, a regular collar (nylon or leather), and a metal name tag. An improperly fitted collar can cause pain and trauma to the puppy's throat. When choosing the right size, remember that your baby will grow.
11. 11 Introduce your puppy to your home. Moving to a new home can be a serious challenge for him, so in the early days you need to surround him with special love and care. Guide your puppy around the house and yard on a thin leash. There is no need to show everything on the first day - start with the rooms you visit most often.
    • Do not let your puppy run freely around the house, because he may leave a puddle somewhere.
    • Let your baby sleep in your room so that he does not feel lonely and abandoned.
12. 12 Pet your puppy often. It is important to stroke his paws, body and head several times a day. This will make him feel loved and will also strengthen the bond between you and your new pet.
13. 13 Handle your puppy carefully. Puppies, like newborn babies, are very fragile. To lift the puppy, gently wrap your arms around it. Support it under the bust at all times.
14. 14 Protect your little one. Puppies are naturally inquisitive and even with the most careful supervision they can go outside the yard and get lost. Your pet must have a comfortable collar and an address tag indicating his nickname and your contact details - address and phone number.
    • Register your puppy even if the law does not require it.
    • To register your puppy, you will need to get it vaccinated against rabies.
15. 15 Place the microchip on the dog. The microchip is tiny - no larger than a grain of rice. It is implanted under the skin behind the neck and above the shoulders. The chip is registered in your name and all your data is recorded. If the dog is ever lost, the veterinarian will be able to scan the chip and help the pet return to you.
    • Even if the dog has a nameplate with your data, experts still recommend installing a chip, since it is impossible to get it.
16. 16 Provide your puppy with a safe place to play. The ideal option is a securely fenced yard. Experiment with different objects to find out which toys he likes best. Indoors, you can also define the boundaries where the dog will play.

Method 2 of 5: Feeding

1. 1 Choose food. Don't be fooled by cheap products - these are often not the best choices. Look for foods that contain high quality fish, chicken, lamb and / or egg proteins. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog's nutrition. If you plan to change your pet's diet, do so gradually so that your dog does not have an upset stomach.
2. 2 Feed your puppy properly. Give him a small amount of special puppy food several times a day. The amount of food per feeding depends on the breed of the dog, so look for recommendations specifically for the breed you are interested in. Give the puppy the minimum recommended food for its breed, age and weight, and only increase the amount if the puppy loses weight or is advised by your veterinarian. The number of feedings per day depends on the age of the puppy:
   • 6-8 weeks - 4 feedings per day
   • 12-20 weeks - 3 feedings per day
   • From 20 weeks - 2 feedings per day
3. 3 Consider feeding recommendations for small and toy breeds. Small breeds (Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas and others) often have low blood sugar. Often these puppies under 6 months need to eat all day (or every 2-3 hours). This will prevent the sugar level from dropping, as otherwise the dog may feel weak, become confused and even have seizures.
4. 4 Don't leave food on the plates. You should give the puppy the allotted amount of food and make sure that the dog does not eat more than necessary. In addition, this way the dog will associate everything pleasant in the house with people. The dog must eat everything in a limited amount of time (for example, 20 minutes).
5. 5 Watch how your dog eats. This will allow you to monitor her health.If your dog suddenly loses interest in food, pay attention to it. This may be due to the rejection of some foods that she does not like, but it may also be a symptom of the disease.
   • It is your responsibility to monitor the dog's behavior. If anything changes, call your doctor and try to find out the reason for the refusal to eat.
6. 6 Do not feed your dog food from the table. You may want to give your dog scraps, but it's important to remember that eating off the table can lead to obesity in the animal. Not only is this unhealthy, but it can also train your dog to beg, which can be very difficult to break.
   • To keep your dog healthy, only give him special dog food.
   • Ignore the puppy when you eat at the table.
   • Ask your veterinarian what table foods are suitable for dogs (such as chicken breast or fresh peas).
   • Fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis.
7. 7 Do not feed your dog food that could cause food poisoning. A puppy's body is not like yours. Some foods you can digest will make your dog poisoned. These products include:
   • Grape
   • Raisin
   • Tea
   • Alcohol
   • Garlic
   • Onion
   • Avocado
   • Salt
   • Chocolate
   • If your dog has eaten any of these items, contact your veterinarian right away.
8. 8 Make sure your puppy always has enough clean water. Unlike food, clean water must be present in the dog's bowl at all times. Remember that after drinking a lot of water, the puppy will want to use the toilet, so to avoid surprises, take him for a walk.

Method 3 of 5: Caring for your health

1. 1 Make sure your puppy grows up in a safe environment. Dirt and other external factors can harm your baby's health and cost you huge veterinary bills.
   • Wash your puppy's bed immediately. Train your puppy to walk and change his bed immediately if he goes to the toilet on it.
   • Get rid of dangerous plants. Many houseplants are actually poisonous to puppies, who like to nibble on whatever they can reach. Keep lilies of the valley, oleander, azalea, yew, foxglove, rhododendron, rhubarb, and clover away from your pet.
2. 2 Make sure your puppy moves a lot. Different breeds require different levels of activity (and this factor must be taken into account when choosing a puppy). Take your puppy to the yard or garden after eating so that he can move around and recognize the new place. When your veterinarian permits it, start walking the puppy down the street. In puppies, periods of short activity and long sleep alternate.
   • While the puppy's body is still developing, do not exhaust him with games - you can start doing this when he reaches 9 months.
   • Aim to walk your pet for about an hour a day in total for 2-4 walks. Let him interact with other friendly dogs (if your puppy already has vaccinations).
3. 3 Find a veterinarian if you don't already have your own doctor. It doesn't hurt to ask your friends which veterinarian they can recommend for you. Select several options and visit each clinic. Choose a clinic with a friendly atmosphere, good organization and a clean smell. Ask the doctor and the rest of the staff - they should give the most complete answers. Whichever veterinarian you choose, you should feel comfortable with them.
4. 4 Get vaccinated. At 6-9 weeks of age, the puppy must be taken to the veterinarian for vaccinations. Talk with your doctor about vaccinations against plague, parainfluenza, infectious canine hepatitis, and parvovirus. He may suggest other important vaccinations for you - it all depends on the risks that your dog is exposed to.
   • Be sure to deworm before vaccination. Talk to your doctor about this at your first appointment. The doctor may advise you to take a remedy for common worms like round worms right away, or he can take feces and do an analysis.
   • This is important not only for your puppy's health, but also for your own: some dog parasites are transmitted to humans and can cause health problems for your family members.
5. 5 When the puppy is 12-16 weeks old, you will have to take him to the vet again to get vaccinated against rabies. Ask your veterinarian how often this vaccine should be given in your area.
6. 6 Sterilize or neuter your puppy. Talk to your doctor about the timing of your surgery. As a rule, veterinarians advise to wait until all vaccinations are done, but everything may depend on the specific situation.
   • For example, neutering in large breeds is more complicated and expensive. Your doctor may recommend that you wait until the dog reaches 22-27 kilograms if you have a very large breed.
   • Sterilize the female before first estrus. This will reduce the risk of suppurative endometritis, ovarian cancer, and breast tumors.
7. 7 Make trips to the doctor fun for your dog. Take treats and toys with you to train your puppy, if not to be happy, then at least to endure these trips. Before taking your dog to the doctor for the first time, train it to be touched by its paws, tail, and muzzle. This will make it easier for your dog to reschedule the appointment.
8. 8 Notice any symptoms of discomfort. By constantly monitoring your pet's condition, you can spot potential problems early on. A healthy dog ​​should have clear eyes and no discharge from the eyes and nose. The coat must be clean and shiny; make sure that it does not thin and fade. Examine your dog's skin for swelling, inflammation and rashes, and look for signs of diarrhea around the tail.

Method 4 of 5: Grooming

1. 1 Brush your puppy daily. This will help him stay clean and healthy and give you the opportunity to spot possible problems with his skin and coat in time. The type of brush you need, and the grooming and bathing features you need depend on the breed - consult your veterinarian or breeder for more information.
   • Brush the puppy's entire body, including the belly and hind legs.
   • Start grooming your pet at an early age so that he won't be afraid of the brush in the future.
   • You need to train your puppy to comb out gradually, using toys and treats. Start a few minutes at a time to avoid scaring your baby.
   • Do not brush your face and paws with tools that may cause pain.
2. 2 Trim your nails. Ask your veterinarian or groomer to show you how to trim your nails correctly to avoid hurting your pet. Wrong actions can harm the puppy. This is especially important if your dog has black nails and it is difficult for you to know where the tip ends.
   • Too long claws cause tension in the dog's wrists and harm floors, furniture and even people.
   • Be prepared to perform this procedure every week unless your veterinarian recommends another option for you.
   • Praise your puppy and give him treats. Start with a few minutes at a time to avoid scaring the animal.
3. 3 Keep your teeth and gums healthy. Chewing toys can help keep your teeth healthy, but you can also use a toothpaste and brush for dogs. Gradually start teaching your dog to brush his teeth so that it does not become a torment for him. Don't forget to praise your dog and give him treats!
4. 4 Only bathe your dog when necessary. Washing your dog too often will dry out the skin and wash away the sebum that the dog needs. Begin to gradually train your puppy to water and bathe. As always, give him goodies and praise.

Method 5 of 5: Training

1. 1 Train your dog to go to the bathroom outside. Start learning from the first day of her stay in the house. The longer you put it off, the more dirt you will have to clean up and the more difficult it will be to train your dog to be tidy. In the early days, diapers can be used. They shouldn't replace outdoor walking, but they can be useful in between, especially if you don't have your own backyard.
   • If you cannot keep an eye on your dog, put him in a playpen with newspapers or diapers.
   • Don't let your puppy walk freely around the house. If you are not playing with him, put him in a playpen or in a cage, or tie him to your belt or somewhere in the living room.
   • Pay attention to signs that your dog needs to go outside and get him out right away. Take it to the same spot each time.
   • If your dog goes to the bathroom on the street, praise him and give him treats!
2. 2 Crate train your dog. This can be useful for a number of reasons. First, it prevents destructive actions, so you can sleep and leave the dog alone without worrying about the safety of the house. Secondly, it is an effective way of toilet training.
3. 3 Train your dog in basic commands. Having a well-bred dog in the house is a great happiness. Start training as early as possible and your relationship with your puppy will be strengthened. In addition, it is easier to train a dog to do something from the very beginning than to wean him from something undesirable.
   • Teach your dog the "come to me" command.
   • Teach your dog to sit.
   • Teach your dog to lie down.
4. 4 Train your puppy to drive. When going somewhere by car, take him with you so that he gets used to traveling with you, otherwise the trip by car will cause him great anxiety. If your dog gets sick in the car, ask your veterinarian for a prescription medication that will fight the nausea. So it will be easier for you and the dog.
5. 5 Sign up for a dog course. This will not only help you with training the puppy, but will also contribute to his socialization, because he will learn to behave well with unfamiliar dogs and people.

Tips

• Supervise young children and make sure everyone knows how to handle your puppy (such as how to pick it up, where to put it, etc.).
• Make sure your little one gets enough rest (6-10 hours).
• Try to surround your puppy with love and care, and do not forget to gently (but firmly) teach him the correct behavior.
• If you bought a puppy for a child, be prepared to look after him yourself, because small children quickly lose interest.
• Wash your dog's bowls daily with warm water and a little dish soap, or simply in the dishwasher. Cleaning the bowls will help prevent various diseases and bacteria from spreading and make feeding your pet more enjoyable.
• Better not to try to brush your dog's teeth, but give him cow ears or something similar to chew on. When the dog chews on the treat, it will clean its teeth by itself.
• Watch out for other dogs and animals that may attack and harm your puppy. It is your responsibility to control this. If you go outside the fenced area, fasten the leash. Puppies often run away and are difficult to find due to their small size.

Warnings

• Do not leave objects in the open that the puppy can swallow and choke.
• Do not let your puppy come into contact with other dogs until he has all the necessary vaccinations. Allow your puppy to interact with peaceful and vaccinated dogs where there is no threat of infection.
• The recommendations in this article are for puppies 8 weeks and older. Do not buy or bring home puppies under 8 weeks old as they are too young for a new home.

What do you need

• Puppy (if you have a small house, choose a small one - west or york)
• Two stainless steel bowls
• Chew toys
• Treats for puppies (soft and crispy)
• Vaccinations
• Remedy for worms
• Sterilization or castration
• Comfortable sleeping place
• A closed booth in the shade and not in the wind (if the dog will live in the yard) when the dog grows up
• Nylon chest collar and regular strap collar
• Nylon leash
• Collar tag with dog name, your phone number and address
• Puppy food
• Essential grooming supplies
• Insurance policy for pets (optional)
• Collar or other flea and tick protection (check with your veterinarian)