Congratulations, you have chosen your newest family member! Now, the question is, "How can I take care of my puppy?" Remember, this article is for those who have recently adopted, purchased, or found a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old. Puppies are usually weaned at this age and should not be separated from their mothers at a younger age.
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Part 1 of 5: Bringing Puppies Home
Step 1. Make sure the puppy is right for you
Does the condition of the fur match the climate in your area? Is the dog small enough to live in your apartment or house? Does his energy level match the intensity of the exercise you are going to give him? These are all important questions that must be answered to ensure the well-being of your puppy and the happiness of your entire home.
Step 2. Make sure your home is puppy safe
Puppies love to explore with their mouths, so to keep your home and puppies safe, take a few precautions.
- Remove crockery from the area where the puppy lives.
- Keep all power cords away. Raise it to a high place or cover it. Also, cover all windows that are in a low position.
- Store household cleaning supplies containing chemicals/poisons safely.
- Buy a trash can that is too high for the puppy to get into and too heavy for him to drop.
- Consider installing a plastic fence to keep it in certain areas or rooms.
Step 3. Prepare a space for the puppy
The kitchen or bathroom are ideal daytime beds for him, as they are usually warm and easy to clean. At night, let him sleep in a cage in your bedroom. This will ensure that you can always control him at night, so you know if he needs to get out of the house to pee.
Step 4. Buy two metal bowls
Metal bowls are better than glass bowls because they don't rub off easily and are easier to clean. Prepare one for a place to eat and the other for a place to drink. If you have other pets, make sure the puppy has its own bowl to avoid conflicts with other pets in the house.
Step 5. Prepare a bed for the puppy
You can build a kennel with pillows, a small dog nest, or use a basket filled with piles of towels. Whatever you choose, make sure the bedding is soft, comfortable, and dry. Have a blanket ready in case the weather gets cold. To avoid conflict, make sure all your pets have their own beds.
Step 6. Give her lots of toys
Your pup is usually very energetic, so make sure you have plenty of toys ready, including chew toys and soft toys. These toys must be strong enough not to break and cause choking. Don't give rubber bones to dogs as toys; these bones should only be given as a snack.
Step 7. Choose the right snacks for her
Snacks for exercise should be healthy, small, and easy to chew or swallow. The point is to let the puppy know that he just did something you wanted him to do. However, don't wait for him to finish his snack when you want to resume training.
- Consider the brands “Bil Jac”, “Zuke's Mini Natural” and “Greenies”.
- Make sure you prepare several kinds: crunchy and mushy. The soft ones are perfect for training, while the crunchy ones help clean your dog's teeth.
Step 8. Give the puppy good quality food
Canned foods, pellets, homemade foods, and raw diets are all good options for a puppy, but make sure you discuss all of these options with your vet. The first time you pick a puppy, ask the breeder, rescuers, or shelter to find out what he usually eats. You can continue the diet at the beginning of the period he lives in your house. If you want to change it, do it after a few weeks, and give it a gradual transition over a week or so. Changing the type of food suddenly can cause him to vomit and have diarrhea.
Purchase puppy food that does not contain coloring, flavoring, or preservatives, as many dogs are allergic to these additives
Step 9. Purchase basic grooming kits for him
All dog owners should at least have a bristle brush, comb, rubber gloves, nail clippers, dog shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrush for dogs, and towels. The main goal of grooming is not to make your dog look beautiful. Care is useful to keep him healthy and happy.
Step 10. Prepare a nylon harness, a regular necklace (no additives and made of nylon net or leather), and metal tags
An improperly sized collar can hurt a puppy's neck and hurt his throat. Keep in mind the fact that your puppy will grow when determining the right size of leash or bridle.
Step 11. Make the puppy comfortable at home
He may be frightened when introduced to his new home for the first time, so make sure you make him feel extra love and care in the first few days. Put on a light harness and let him investigate the different parts of the house while you follow him. You don't have to show him the whole house on the first day, but introduce him to the areas he will visit often.
- Don't let the puppy run around freely because you will have an "accident".
- Allow him to sleep in your room in his cage at night, so he doesn't feel lonely or alone.
Step 12. Pet your puppy often
It is very important to pet your pet's body, feet, and head several times a day. This will make your puppy feel loved and will form a strong bond between you and him.
Step 13. Handle with care
Puppies are fragile creatures, just like human babies. Gently pick up the puppy if you want to pick him up and keep one hand under his chest at all times.
Step 14. Protect your puppy
By nature, dogs are curious creatures. Sometimes even thorough attention just isn't enough to keep him off the page and get lost. Make sure your pup wears a comfortable leash collar – fitting it in the right size at about 5 weeks and loosening it gradually to accommodate its growth – with a tag that includes your name and address and/or phone number.
- Many jurisdictions require you to have a dog license. Even if your area doesn't require it, it's still a good thing to register your puppy.
- Puppies must be vaccinated against rabies before being registered.
Step 15. Insert the microchip
These microchips are very small - about the size of a grain of rice - and are implanted under the skin, on the back of the neck, and over the puppy's shoulders. You will be required to register the microchip based on your contact information when the vet implants it. If the puppy gets lost, your vet or shelter can scan the chip and contact you.
Even if the puppy already has a collar and tag, experts still recommend implanting a microchip, as these microchips cannot be removed
Step 16. Provide a safe play area for your puppy
A secure fenced yard is ideal and you can experiment a bit to find out what toys your pup will like best.
Part 2 of 5: Feeding Your Puppies
Step 1. Choose the right dog food
While buying cheap food is a very tempting option, in general it is not the best choice for your dog. Look for dog foods that incorporate high-quality protein from fish, chicken, lamb, and/or eggs. Talk to your veterinarian about the diet options you can prepare for your dog. If you want to change her diet, do so gradually to reduce the risk of digestive problems.
Step 2. Feed your puppy properly
Give dog food specially formulated for puppies in small doses several times a day. The amount of food given at each meal depends on the type; find the recommended amount for your dog breed. Feed your puppy the smallest amount based on breed, age and size, then increase the amount if he looks too skinny or recommended by your veterinarian. The number of daily feedings depends on the age of the puppy:
- 6-12 weeks: 4 times a day
- 12-20 weeks: 3 times a day
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20+ weeks: 2 times a day
Step 3. Follow the feeding rules specifically for miniature or small dogs
These dogs (eg Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, etc.) are prone to low sugar problems and often require feeding throughout the day (or every 2-3 hours) until they reach around 6 months of age. Frequent feedings will prevent a drop in blood sugar, which can lead to weakness, confusion, and even convulsions.
Step 4. Avoid feeding buffet style
Feed him at specific meal times to prevent him from overeating and ruining your home (because he gets a lot of energy from overeating). Plus, your puppy will bond with you for associating fun things, like food, with the humans in his home. He should also have a limited amount of time, perhaps 20 minutes, to finish his meal.
Step 5. Supervise your puppy while eating
Watching a puppy eat is a good way to gauge its health; if he seems disinterested in his food, there may be something wrong. This can indicate his appetite, but it can also mean he has certain health problems.
You should notice any changes to his behavior. Follow up on any changes by contacting your veterinarian and taking the necessary steps to investigate the cause
Step 6. Do not feed human leftovers
While you may be tempted to do so, remember that human food can make your dog obese and unhealthy. In addition to the health risks, he will also become accustomed to begging for food - and this is one of the most difficult bad habits to change.
- To maintain his health, feed him with foods specially designed for him.
- Ignore the dog completely while you are eating.
- Talk to your vet to find out what types of "human" foods are safe for dogs. These foods may include grilled chicken breast or fresh green beans.
- High-fat foods can cause health problems such as pancreatitis in dogs.
Step 7. Protect your dog from toxic food
The dog's body is very different from the human body. Some foods that you can digest are very harmful to him. Here is a partial list of foods he should avoid:
- Wine
- Raisins
- Tea
- Alcohol
- Garlic
- Onion
- Avocado
- Salt
- Chocolate
- If your dog eats one of these, contact your veterinarian.
Step 8. Provide enough fresh water
Unlike food, you should always leave a bowl of clean water for your pet. Be aware that puppies will pee almost immediately after drinking a lot of water. Take him to the backyard on a leash so he doesn't contaminate your house.
Part 3 of 5: Keeping Your Dog Healthy
Step 1. Keep your dog's environment safe
An unsafe or dirty environment can be detrimental to your puppy's well-being and can cost a lot of money to the vet.
- Wash soiled bedding immediately. Train the puppy to defecate in the right places and change the bed immediately if he wets or soils it.
- Get rid of harmful plants. There are a number of houseplants that are actually toxic to puppies who like to chew. Keep daffodils, oleanders, azaleas, yews, hanging flowers, rhododendrons, rubarbs, and clovers away from your pup.
Step 2. Make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise
Different dog breeds require different amounts of exercise as well (this is a factor you should consider when choosing a puppy). Take the puppy to the yard or park after eating, and start taking him for short walks about a week after being advised by the vet. It is normal for puppies to be very energetic and then take a long rest.
- Since the body is still developing, avoid rough play or strenuous exercise such as running long distances (more than 1.5 km).
- Take time to walk for about an hour each day, which is divided into 2 to 4 walking sessions. Allow him to interact with the other (friendly) dogs he meets (do this only if your puppy has completed all his vaccinations).
Step 3. Choose a vet if you haven't got one
Ask your friends for the right vet's advice. Once you have a few options, visit each of their clinics to find the one you like best. Choose a friendly, well-maintained and clean clinic. Ask your vet and staff questions – they should be able to answer as best they can. Make sure you are comfortable with the vet you choose.
Step 4. Vaccinate your puppy
Take him to the vet when he is 6-9 weeks old to start his vaccine series. Make sure you talk to your vet about distemper, parainfluenza, canine hepatitis, and parvovirus. They may have suggestions for other vaccines, depending on your dog's breed or the circumstances in which you live.
- Be sure to get dewormed during your first visit to the vet. The doctor may immediately suggest getting rid of worms, such as roundworms, or, he may ask for a stool sample to be analyzed for parasites before prescribing the treatment.
- Deworming is important not only for your puppy's health, but also for yourself: many of the parasites that infect your puppy can be transmitted to humans and cause health problems in your family.
Step 5. Go back to the vet for a rabies vaccination
After your first visit, return when the puppy is 12 to 16 weeks old. Ask your veterinarian about the recommended and legally required rabies vaccination protocol in your area of residence.
Step 6. Sterilize your puppy
Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations when it comes to surgery. They usually suggest waiting until the entire vaccination process is complete, but there may sometimes be other considerations.
- For example, the sterilization procedure is more complex and expensive for large dog breeds. Your vet may recommend neutering before your pup reaches 22 or 27 pounds if your dog is really big.
- Spay the female dog before her first menstrual cycle. This reduces the risk of pyometra, ovarian cancer, and mammary tumors.
Step 7. Make every visit to the vet an enjoyable time for your puppy
Bring treats and toys to the vet so the puppy is taught to enjoy (or at least tolerate) the visit. Before his first checkup, get in the habit of touching his feet, tail, and face. That way, he won't be confused when the vet examines him.
Step 8. Watch for problems with his health
Always keep an eye on your puppy so you can quickly notice if something is wrong. The eyes must be brightly lit, and the eyeballs and nostrils must not bleed. The dog's coat must be clean and shiny; Make sure it doesn't fall out or thin out. Examine your puppy for any bumps, inflammation, or itching on his skin. Also check for signs of diarrhea around the tail.
Part 4 of 5: Caring for Your Puppies
Step 1. Brush your puppy daily
Brushing can keep your pet clean and healthy and allows you to check their skin or coat for problems. The type of brush and other grooming and bathing requirements depend on your dog's breed, so consult your veterinarian, nurse/dog breeder for more information.
- Brush your puppy's entire body, including its belly and hind legs.
- Start when he's young so he's not afraid of brushes.
- Start in short sessions with treats and toys. Brush him for a few minutes at a time so you don't stress him out too much.
- Don't brush your puppy's face and paws with tools that might hurt him.
Step 2. Trim your puppy's nails
Ask your veterinarian for proper nail clipping techniques to avoid incorrect trimming. The wrong way can cause pain if you cut the blood vessels in the nails. This is especially important if your puppy has black nails, so it will be difficult to see the veins.
- Nails that are too long can put strain on your dog's ankles as well as damage floors, furniture, and injure people.
- Plan to trim your puppy's nails weekly unless this is not recommended by your veterinarian.
- Use treats and compliments and start with just trimming a few of his nails so he doesn't stress out.
Step 3. Keep your puppy's teeth and gums healthy
Chewing toys can help with this. Brushes and toothpaste made especially for dogs can also be very useful. Get your puppy used to brushing his teeth slowly so he enjoys it. Don't forget to shower him with compliments and treats!
Step 4. Bathe the puppy only when he needs it
Bathing the dog too often makes the skin dry (because the oil is lost). Introduce him to water and the process of bathing in stages. Give compliments and treats as usual.
Part 5 of 5: Training Your Puppy
Step 1. Train him to defecate in its proper place
Begin this exercise on day one when you take it home. The longer you wait, the more mess you'll be in, and the harder it will be to teach him to poop in the right place. Consider using an exercise pillow for the first few days. While these pads should not be considered as a substitute for an outdoor toilet session, they are still useful at the intermediate training stage. This is especially true if your home doesn't have a backyard.
- Confine the puppy with newspaper or an exercise pillow in his crate when he is not being watched.
- Don't let him run around the house. If you're not playing with him, place him in his cage or training area, or tie him to your belt/seating area.
- Watch for signs when he will defecate and immediately get himself out of the house. Take him to the same place each time you do this.
- Compliment and treat him immediately if he manages to pee outside the house!
Step 2. Consider crate training for your dog
Cage training is helpful for many reasons. First, it can curb destructive behavior, allowing you to sleep and leave your dog alone without worry. Second, this exercise is a very effective method of potty training (if done correctly).
Step 3. Teach your dog basic commands
A well-mannered dog will please family members. Begin teaching him to shake hands with his right forefoot at an early age so that he and you have a closer relationship. Changing a bad habit is harder to do than teaching a new one.
- Teach him to come closer.
- Teach him to sit.
- Teach him to lie down.
Step 4. Get your dog used to riding in the car
Take your puppy for regular car rides to get him used to traveling with you. Otherwise, he will be anxious every time he gets into the car. If your puppy is landsick, talk to your veterinarian to learn what medication is needed to treat his nausea. This will make road trips more enjoyable for you and your dog.
Step 5. Take the puppy to an obedience class
Not only will this make it easier for you to train your dog, but it will also help him to socialize and behave around other dogs and strangers.
Tips
- Be careful with small children and make sure everyone knows the rules that apply to the puppy (eg when it comes to holding the dog, breaking furniture, etc.).
- Make sure your puppy gets enough rest (at least 6 to 10 hours a day).
- Give him affection, attention, and gentle (but firm) guidance on the good behavior you want from him.
- If you are buying a puppy for kids, be prepared to take care of it yourself because for a while, the little one will lose interest in the dog.
- Wash the puppy's bowl daily with warm water and dish soap. Or, put it in the dishwasher. Washing the bowl will prevent the growth of bacteria and disease. Feeding times will also be more enjoyable for your dog.
- Instead of trying to brush your dog's teeth, give him cow ears or another similar toy so he can chew on them. When the dog chews on the object, its teeth will be cleaned.
- Be careful that dogs or other animals can attack and/or kill your puppy. You are responsible for taking care of it. If you are traveling with the puppy outside of the yard, then at least use a leash. Puppies can walk around as much as they want, and because they're so small, you'll have a hard time finding them.
Warning
- Don't leave anything behind that your puppy might choke on.
- Do not expose your puppy to other dogs until he has been vaccinated. You should socialize your puppy early with vaccinated and friendly dogs, in a contamination-free area.
- This guide is only for puppies 8 weeks of age or older. Do not buy or adopt a puppy younger than this age, as you could be breaking the law in some places. Puppies are usually considered too young to be transferred to a new environment if they are not yet 8 weeks old.
