Caring for your Puppy

The decision you've made to raise a puppy has involved careful thought and planning and by now you are not only prepared to care for your puppy but excited and anxious.

Sleeping alone for the first time will be frightening so try to make your puppies first night alone as comfortable as possible. Ensure his crate has something soothing that smells of you or of his old home. A towel or a toy is sufficient. He is going to wine, it’s instinctive so try not to coddle him. Give him time to fall asleep. When he wakes in the night to urinate, take him out but don’t wind him up, simply put him back to bed and let him go back to sleep. You may need to bring his crate into your bedroom to offer comfort by being within sight but do not bring him into your bed.

 House training your puppy takes time with patients and persistence on your part. Identifying the signs of when your puppy is most likely to go will help immensely. It is common for a puppy to urinate within 15 minutes after a meal, as soon as he wakes up or after any form of excitement. A sign that your puppy may need to go is if he is sniffing the floor, squatting or turning in little circles while holding his head to the ground.

 Immediately when any of these  signs are visible, take him out to a place you have designated as his “potty spot”. Give him ample time to do his business before bringing him back indoors. Keep a watchful eye on him and take him back out immediately when these signs reoccur.

Punishing your puppy with more than a stern “NO” is pointless; instead teach him with praise and reward him when he has finished. Be sure to properly cleanse any areas where your puppy may have accidentally gone as odors are a magnet for repeat business.

House training your puppy can take weeks and with some breeds even months, you just have to be patient.

Grooming your puppy should start immediately after bringing him home. Aside from maintaining your puppies adorable appearance, the personal touch and contact associated with grooming your dog will bond the two of you together.

 Regular grooming has many benefits that include reducing uncomfortable matting, less fur found all over your home and prevention of flea or ticks. Grooming also gives you opportunity to examine your puppy’s hair and skin, eyes, ears, mouth and feet for any health problems.

 Bathing your puppy should also be a regular regimen for your puppy. But unlike daily brushing, every few weeks is probably enough. A clean, well groomed dog is less likely to develop skin conditions not to mention nice to cuddle up to. Avoid human shampoos as the pH levels are not suited for dogs and will cause skin irritation. Even Soap recommended for dogs can cause irritation if not rinsed out completely.

 Another grooming procedure includes trimming your puppies’ nails. This can be a scary task the first time around and advisable to first check with your vet on the procedure and length recommended for your dog.

 Checking your puppies’ ears regularly will also help him get accustomed to the routine. Check with your vet on cleaning his ears.

 Praise your puppy after she has been bathed or brushed as positive reinforcement will make it easier.

 Play time is the most rewarding time spent with your dog. Regular activity like walking, running, playing catch, wrestling with puppy toys and swimming are all great play time activities for you and your puppy. Puppies are like small children, they are easily amused with puppy toys. Toys in which your puppy can chew on are also  important for healthy teeth and gum development. Play-time is important for a puppy’s happiness as it reinforces a bond between dog and dog owner.

In choosing your puppies toys safety should be most important. Large rubber chew toys, balls and rope toys are good toy choices where as rawhide for puppies is not recommended. For the safety of your puppies teeth avoid any toy you cannot make an impression in with your finger nail.

 Next step: Your Puppies Health

Choosing a dog breed     Finding A Puppy     Bringing Your Puppy Home     Caring For Your Puppy   Your Puppies Health   Basic Training   Puppy Supplies