How to Take Care of Your Own Puppy

Dog ownership is a long-term commitment. Irresistibly adorable puppies require proper obedience training, veterinary services, shelter, proper nutrition, fresh water, exercise, socialization and an owner's affection. Prospective dog owners should carefully weigh the responsibilities that come with owning a pet (including financial obligations). Once you have fully decided you will be a trustworthy, committed dog owner, you are ready to take care of your own puppy.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Safe chew toys
• Dog crate
• Nylon leash and collar
• Stainless steel food and water bowls
• Nutritious, dry puppy food (softened)
• Potty-training pretreated pads
• Carpet/Floor cleaning supplies
• Comfortable dog bed

1. Prepare for your puppy's arrival. Puppy-proof the home by removing access to unsafe objects, such as electrical cords, cleaning products or plants. Use baby gates to block certain areas of the home. Purchase necessary puppy supplies that will aid in it's development, comfort, health and happiness. Learn about obedience training methods (such as clicker training) and have a veterinarian appointment scheduled. Pick out a name for your puppy.

2. Introduce your puppy to her new environment. The puppy may be whining or afraid, especially if this is the first time she's been away from her litter or mother. Remove other pets from the area in the beginning. Allow your puppy to sniff her new home, as this is how she interprets her environment. Give her plenty of affection and verbal praise as she explores, and ensure she smells her food, water, crate and dog bed.

3. Begin obedience training immediately. As soon as your new puppy arrives home, practice being an effective pack leader. Exert a calm, assertive energy and begin potty-training exercises. Utilizing a dog crate will assist in controlling her environment, but pretreated pads may also prove effective. Use consistent training commands and speak firmly and calmly each time a command is verbalized. Set boundaries--such as not feeding her table scraps or allowing her to sleep on the bed--to ensure that you are the alpha leader.

4. Follow a regular schedule. A puppy will learn quickly from repetition. Take your puppy outside on a consistent basis, such as in the morning, after each meal and before bedtime. Additionally, take your puppy on an active 30 minute walk twice a day. While she in young, touch her mouth and paws so she doesn't mature uncomfortable with having her nails trimmed, coat brushed or teeth cleaned.

5. Redirect nuisance puppy behaviors. Do not allow your puppy to bite, nip or mouth during play; Instead, follow positive reinforcement training methods to encourage her to play nicely. Offer her safe chew toys. Additionally, do not entertain a whining, needy puppy. Only give her affection when she is calm, or beware a pushy, manipulative adult dog. Confirm that all members of the family are following training guidelines to ensure consistency.

6. Promote a happy and healthy pooch. Visit the veterinarian, and follow the required vaccination and care regimen. Have your puppy registered with the city and link the appropriate tags on her collar. Provide daily dry, softened food and fresh water. Socialize your puppy with adults, children, dogs and other animals to promote a good temperament. Allow your puppy stimulation to alleviate boredom; She needs to smell new things, chew on toys, go for walks and overcome challenges (such as retrieving a ball). Give your puppy affection and love.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay positive during puppy training, as it requires patience, consist action and regular effort.

• When in doubt, contact a trusted veterinarian for puppy ownership advice. Owning a dog is a lot of work. If you're not ready, do not get a puppy. Never hurt or harm a puppy, even when frustrated during training sessions.

Resources

• Dog Whisperer: Cesar Millan