New Puppy Care
Get it right from the start

New Puppy Care can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared, especially if this is your first pup or you haven’t had one in a while.

Taking care of a puppy is a commitment and one of the greatest joys in life. I hope these tips on new puppy care will help you make the best choices to ensure a long and happy relationship with your new Coton de Tulear (or any other breed.

cute coton puppy
cute retreiver pup

Learning the proper care and training for a new puppy is critical to have a well behaved, happy, thriving dog who will fast become a beloved member of your family.

Just like newborn babies, puppies cannot raise themselves; they need your love and guidance to understand how to become good dogs.

Some people get dazzled by how cute a puppy is and don't take into account how much time it will take to care for the little pup. Shelters are full of dogs whose owners understimated how much time, attention, and money is required to be a responsible dog owner.


Top 10 New Puppy Care Basics – Don’t skip ANY of these important steps:

  1. Start socializing your new pup right away.

  2. Take your new dog to the veterinarian for a complete checkup and vaccination plan.

  3. Handle your new puppy gently.

  4. Introduce new puppies to other dogs and children slowly, carefully, and with supervision.

  5. Provide food especially made for puppies; it's formulated to help develop their growing bodies.

  6. Decide on a house training method and be consistent. It's never too early to start teaching good behavior.

  7. Don’t inadvertently encourage bad dog behavior. Jumping up on you and nibbling your fingers is funny when a small adorable puppy does it, but it will not be cute when your full grown dog exhibits these behaviors. Teach the correct behavior right from the start. It’s so much easier to learn something the right way from the beginning than trying to correct a habit already in place.

  8. Reward good behavior. Any time you see your dog do something good like coming when called, waiting at doorways, or sitting patiently while food is being prepared, make sure to let him know he’s doing a good job.

  9. Never discipline a puppy with hitting, yelling, or neglect.

  10. Avoid the puppy blues by managing your expectations and asking for help. Puppies are exhausting!




Puppy Milestones:

Puppy is ready to take home 8 weeks
Housebreaking 6-8 weeks
Bathing 7-8 weeks
Obedience training 8-10 weeks
Socialization 8-12 weeks
Heartworm prevention 3 months
Spay or neuter 6-9 months
When is a puppy full grown 1- 1½ years




Important Related Links for Taking Care of a Puppy

How to choose a puppy

Puppy-proofing your home

Your first night with your new puppy

What supplies will you need for your new dog?

Must-Have Guide for Housebreaking

Crate training

Solutions for dog marking inside the house

Socializing Dog Tips

Learn about Kid Friendly Dogs

The Best Way To Surprise Someone with a Puppy

Important Spay and neuter information

Make sure you have the right pet identification

Find your pet using the Lost pet finder alert system

Looking for the perfect name for your new pup?








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