Hints & Tips

       Basics for your new Puppy

ID tag:

One of the first things you need to do is to get an ID tag made.  You can make these yourself at Wal Mart and Pet Stores.    You can also have a vet to fit your puppy with a micro-chip.

Collar:

You will need a collar for your puppy.  To have the proper fit, make sure you can put two fingers under the collar. 

HINT!!! A HALTER WORKS BEST TO LEASH TRAIN A PUPPY!     Also, a WARNING!! Your puppy will grow fast so make sure to check the collar often for proper fit.  Improperly fit collars can cause serious damage, even death.

Bathing:

You can bath your puppy whenever he/she smells stinky or gets dirty.  You can use Flea and Tick Shampoo for puppies, or you can use baby shampoo.  Because of its mildness, baby shampoo will not burn his/her eyes. Rinse well. Brush regularly to prevent too much shedding. HINT!! BABY WIPES WORK FOR QUICK CLEAN UPS!!  HINT,HINT!! Palmolive dish soap kills fleas and is inexpensive. Remember however, that a little goes a long way!!

Nails:

Keep nails trimmed as needed.  Examine your puppy’s nails and you can see the pink line (the quick), you don’t want to cut into this pink line. Don’t be afraid to cut your puppy’s nails. Cutting their nails is for their comfort as well as yours! You can buy special clippers for your dog anywhere pet supplies are sold. If you puppies nails are black and you cannot see the pink line, carefully cut where the nail starts to curl.

Feeding:

It is important to feed your puppy the same food as before he/she came home with you. As he/she gets older, you can change it as needed. Your puppy needs to eat dry PURINA PUPPY CHOW food at first. It has the needed nutrients your puppy needs to grow and be smart.  You can slowly change to your preferred food. Chewing on dry puppy food is good for his/her teeth. Also make sure to keep fresh water available.

WARNING!!!!  DO NOT FEED YOUR PUPPY CHOCOLATE! CHOCOLATE IS TOXIC AND CAN KILL THEM

Toys::

You will need to have some toys for your puppy. Make sure they are safe and that there aren’t parts that he/she could chew off and swallow.  Chew bones and snacks are available where pet supplies are sold. Keep electrical and phone cords away from puppy, trash also. I have found that keeping your puppy occupied with appropriate toys helps to prevent unwanted chewing on household items.  In other words.....BABY PROOF the area your puppy will be allowed in.  They are like babies, they put stuff in there mouths and can get choked.

Teeth:

A healthy diet keeps teeth clean and gums healthy.  Puppies will lose their baby teeth between 3-6 months of age. Your veterinarian will check the health of your puppy’s teeth. Provide a mixture of soft and hard food.  And appropriate puppy toys.

Traveling:

NEVER leave your puppy alone in the car for very long. NEVER leave your puppy alone in a closed up car on a hot day for any amount of time!!!!!!!!!  Also remember to bring a collar or halter and a leash. You can keep a spare in your car for this occasion. Your puppy may need to go pee during your trip.  Remember to take water and a water dish.  Some puppies get car sick, ask your vet what to do if this happens. There is medicine you can give your puppy to make him/her more comfortable.

Training:

You should start training your puppy RIGHT AWAY!! Use a firm “NO” when he/she starts to do things he shouldn’t do.             Move them away from the wrong thing they are doing, and give him/her a toy he/she is allowed to play with.  Praise your puppy when they obey you.

Potty training:

You should start potty training RIGHT AWAY!!! Take the puppy outside as soon as he/she awakes and immediately after eating and napping.  Puppies have no bladder control at first....and have to go a lot!  Use the same word or phrase every time you take him/her out, such as Pee Pee or Potty or even OUT works...dogs do learn the meaning of some words and using the same word helps them to know that doing their “business” outside is better than inside!!  It takes time to potty train....

                      So be patient!!!

*Disclaimer: Not responsible for Your personal use of the information on this         page.  You should talk to your veterinarian if you have questions.