First Year Puppy Care - Have You Thought About It?

Before bringing a new puppy home, plan what part of the house the new pup will be kept in, and then 損uppy proof?that space. This is done very much the same as if there was a small child in the house...

Before bringing a new puppy home, plan what part of the house the new pup will be kept in, and then 損uppy proof?that space. This is done very much the same as if there was a small child in the house. Be certain cleaning or other toxic products are not accessible to the puppy, swimming pools or fish ponds should be fenced. Or, some other method used, for denying the new pup entrance. Be certain doors to the outside are kept closed: Check all electrical cords and wiring. Make certain they do not become a tempting chew toy for the puppy. Young children should not be alone with a puppy, but should be supervised when playing with the new pup.
Feeding is very important the first year for puppies. They need a well balanced and complete puppy food with proper protein and energy ingredients for their rapid development. Always follow feeding directions on the package. Puppies need to eat several meals a day to give them enough energy to grow properly. When feeding with a nutritious food, supplements to their diet should not be needed. Check with your veterinarian first, before adding any vitamins, or minerals to their diet.
Choose a veterinarian that both you and your puppy feel comfortable with. Puppies need several preventative shots when very young, and follow up shots as they get older. It is advisable to have new puppies checked out by your veterinarian soon after bringing him/her home. This will give you peace of mind about any underlying problems the pup could have.
At two or three months of age, pups are not yet ready for any formal training. If they do something wrong and are scolded with a harsh voice, they become frightened and confused, and nothing positive has been accomplished. They do not know the difference between right or wrong at this age. It is much better to start off with a few simple words: Sit, down, stay, no biting are all good words to start with. When the puppy performs one of these actions correctly; give him/her plenty of praise and love.
Remember, puppies are like small children going through different stages of learning about life. They sleep a lot. They are very inquisitive about the world around them. Any new discovery to a puppy usually means: Can I play with it, chew it, or eat it??br />Always be consistent with your puppy care, but never over estimate the puppy's ability to know right from wrong. One of the best words to remember when raising a new pup, or when the pup becomes an adult is:?PATIENCE.?