A new puppy in the house, what now?

There is no denying that puppies are some of the most beautiful animals on the planet. On the other hand, being a parent to a new dog is not easy. The following is a collection of resources that will help you care for the new addition to your family.

When you first bring your new puppy home, you can be sure of three things:

• You will be overjoyed
• Your life will change dramatically
• You have been given a great responsibility

You’ll quickly discover that a food bowl and a dog house aren’t enough for a growing puppy to thrive. They need much more than that. While it may seem like a lot of effort at first, it will be worth it in the end. Establishing healthy and wholesome habits during those first few sleepless weeks can bring you and your new puppy joy for years to come.

1. Find a reputable veterinarian for your new puppy

You probably already know that the first place you should take your new puppy is to the vet for a checkup. But just in case, this consultation will not only ensure that your puppy is healthy and free of serious health conditions, birth defects, and other issues, but it will also help you get started on an effective preventative health routine for your puppy. If you don’t have a vet yet, ask people they know who are good. If you got your dog from a shelter, ask your vet for recommendations. They likely have a vet they like and trust. Dog groomers and dog walkers in your area are also good places to look for ideas.

2. Make the most of your first consultation with your vet

Talk to your local veterinarian about the types of puppy meals they recommend, as well as how often and how much to feed your new pet.

• Consult with your veterinarian to establish a vaccination schedule.
• Discuss both external and internal methods of parasite control that are risk-free in their application.
• Learn how to recognize the signs of illness in the first few months of your puppy's life.
• Be sure to ask your veterinarian when you should have your dog spayed or neutered.

3. Spend your money on good quality food for your new puppy

Since your puppy's body is still developing significantly, you should choose a meal that is specifically formulated for puppies rather than one designed for senior dogs. On the packaging of the food you buy for your dog, look for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to ensure that it meets their nutritional needs.

For small and medium breed puppies, the transition to adult dog food can be made between the ages of 9 and 12. Puppy kibble is the right food for large breed puppies until they are two years old. Make sure there is always plenty of clean water available for your new dog to drink.

Feeding should take place many times a day:

• From six weeks of age, puppies are fed four meals a day.
• From the age of three months, dogs are fed three meals a day.
• For dogs aged 6 to 12 months, two meals are provided per day.

4. Set a regular schedule for your new puppy

Due to the discomfort that puppies experience when forced to wear diapers, potty training is quickly rising to the top of the priority list for most puppy owners. According to those knowledgeable about the subject, the most effective allies you can have in your fight to potty train your puppy are patience, planning, and plenty of positive reinforcement. Additionally, since accidents can happen at any time, it’s essential to have a plan in place to clean the carpet before you begin the process.

Until your puppy has received all of her vaccinations, you should confine her to a part of the yard that is off-limits to other animals. This will help reduce the risk of transmitting infectious diseases to others. Be careful to praise your dog lavishly if she does manage to eliminate outside. However, it is almost as important not to scold her if she has an accident in the house.

It is just as important to recognize when it is time to take your puppy outside as it is to give her appreciation when she does her business outside. The correct times to take your new puppy outside to potty are listed in the following chart.

• When you just opened your eyes.
• Just before I was about to go to sleep.
• Immediately after your dog has finished eating or drinking a significant amount of water, whichever comes first.
• When it's time for your dog to get up from his nap.
• After you've finished your workout and while you're still sweating in the gym.

5. Be aware of the signs of an emerging disease

In the first few months of their lives, puppies are particularly vulnerable to sudden illnesses, which, if not caught quickly, can be fatal. If you see any of the symptoms described in the following paragraphs, it is essential to take your puppy to the vet.

• Appetitelessness
• Poor weight gain
• Vomiting
• The swelling in the abdominal area makes the pain worse.
• Laziness (fatigue)
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• A cracking cough or wheezing sound
• gums that are light in color
• Eyes that are swollen, red, or bulging; a discharge from the nose; inability to urinate or defecate;

6. Teaching obedience

Teaching your puppy proper manners will set the stage for a lifetime of positive interactions with other people and animals. Additionally, obedience training can help you and your new puppy develop a stronger bond with each other.

Teaching your dog to obey commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and “come” can not only help keep your dog safe and under control in potentially dangerous situations, but it will also amaze your friends. Obedience classes are a common way for new dog owners to teach themselves and their canine companions proper behavior. In most cases, instructors will begin accepting dogs as young as four months and as old as six months.

If possible, maintain a positive attitude. It has been found that using positive reinforcement, such as giving the puppy small treats, is much more successful than using punishment.

7. Strive to be social.

Obedience training and other forms of appropriate socialization should begin early in a puppy’s life to prevent behavioral problems later on. By two to four months of age, most puppies are learning to interact with a variety of canine and human companions, as well as environments and activities. You and your dog can gain invaluable social experience by participating in socialization classes, which is a great way to achieve this goal. Be sure to consult with your veterinary hospital’s veterinarian at this time about the appropriate activity level for your pet and act accordingly.