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.
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:
- Start socializing your new pup right away (after 8 weeks).
- Take your new dog to the veterinarian for a complete checkup and vaccination plan.
- Handle your new puppy gently.
- Introduce new puppies to other dogs and children slowly, carefully, and with supervision.
- Provide food especially made for puppies; it's formulated to help develop their growing bodies.
- Start house training as soon as you get your puppy home. It's never too early to start teaching good behavior.
- 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.
- 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.
- Never discipline a puppy with hitting, yelling, or neglect.
- Make sure your new dog has identification in the event that he gets lost. It’s a good idea to identify your dog with an ID tag as well as a dog tattoo or microchip.
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
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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