With these helpful puppy-care tips, you will soon be on your way to a rewarding relationship.
1. Find a breed that fits your lifestyle. Consider adopting from an animal shelter. Many different breeds often are available, through no fault of their own, offering unique traits to match your individual needs.
2. Get supplies first. Purchase all food and supplies before your dog comes home. Buy a premium food, such as Iams® Smart Puppy™. You’ll also need feeding bowls, a collar and leash, ID tag, comb, brush, nail clippers, a bed and toys.
3. Introduce family slowly. Your new puppy should meet family members quietly, one at a time. For the first few days, keep the puppy confined to one room, and play with him gently. Don’t let small children play with him unsupervised.
4. Introduce existing pets gradually. “A puppy never should be forced into another pet’s world,” says Dr. Nicholas Warendorf, DVM, owner of Old Derby Animal Clinic. “This will be a huge adjustment, so let it happen naturally.”
5. Puppy-proof your home. “Puppies are exploratory by nature,” notes Dr. Warendorf. “All potential hazards should be removed or locked away. If necessary, use baby gates.”
6. See a veterinarian regularly. Take your puppy to a veterinarian for an initial exam. A thorough checkup will reveal existing health problems, such as parasites, and essential vaccinations also can be given. Then follow your veterinarian’s recommendation for additional visits.
7. Groom him regularly. Consistent grooming keeps your dog looking his best, and also gets him used to being touched and restrained. Comb or brush long-haired breeds daily and short-haired breeds weekly. Bathe your dog on a regular basis. Clip his nails as needed, avoiding the sensitive area at the base of the nail. Ask your veterinarian if you’re unsure how to do this.
8. Exercise for good health. Exercising your new dog is beneficial to his health — and yours! A walk or daily jog is a good start. Swimming, playing Frisbee® or fetch, hunting or running also are fun. Make time for play. Playtime helps you bond with your dog and keeps him in tip-top physical condition. To make playtime pleasurable, let your puppy determine how long you’ll play — and stop when he seems like he’s tiring. Avoid tug-of-war games, which can cause aggression problems later. Make sure all toys are appropriate for his size. And teach your children the appropriate way to play with your puppy.
9. Entering your dog in competition can be enjoyable for you both. This can include conformation, obedience trials, tracking tests, hunting trials, herding trials and agility competitions. If your dog is a mixed breed, contact regional dog clubs regarding less formal shows.
10. Don’t feed your dog human food. Human food is not properly balanced for a dog, whose nutritional needs are different from a human’s. Some human foods, such as chocolate, even can be toxic to dogs in large doses.
Welcome Home
Now that you’ve got the basics covered, you’re ready to welcome that special puppy or new adult dog into your life. Be sure to enjoy all the “little” moments along the way.
