How to Care for That New Puppy When You Bring Them Home for The First Time

How to care for that new puppy when you bring them home for the first time

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Battery run clock that ticks
• Old bath towels (ones you can throw away if you have to)
• Crate or kennel that will comfortable fit your puppy
• Proper puppy food (should be dry dog food, even if they're use to wet)
• Soft t-shirt with your scent on it (or a soft baby toy, no buttons for eyes)
• Two small sturdy bowls (one for water, one for food)
• A small dog toy (one that your puppy can chew on)
• Harness collar
• Leash

1. Buying a new puppy is a big decision to make, but once you've made that decision then you need to know how to take good care of her or him when you bring them home for the first time.

2. The person(s) your purchasing the puppy from is a good person to ask a lot of questions. Weather it's a breeder or a shelter person. These people are very familiar with your new puppy, because they were either there when they were born, or are very used to taking care of that type of puppy you select to bring home. It is also VERY important to find a good veterinarian for your new puppy to see for regular check ups and the rest of the shots they might need, or medications. Ask around, find neighbors that have used that veterinarian before. Just because that person is close to your house, that doesn't mean that they're a good veterinarian. It is important to find someone who knows how to care for puppies, any kind of a dog in a gentle manner.

3. Ask if the puppy has been crated or kenneled during the day. More than likely they have, because that is usually how breeders keep their puppies contained. Most shelter dogs have also been crated at one time or another, because usually those people take more than one dog in their home at a time. It is best to buy a crate or kennel that fits your puppy's size. Make sure that your puppy can turn complete around in that crate, and has plenty of room to stretch out when they're sleeping. You don't want the crate to be too small, but then you also don't want it to be too big either. Take the puppy with you to the store when you're purchasing the new crate, that way the people working at the pet store can help you find the right fit for your puppy.

4. While you're at the pet store make sure to buy a few other things, like the right puppy food, a small chew toy, and something soft for the puppy to sleep with at night. Also don't forget to get a leash and a harsness type collar. You do NOT want to get a regular collar, because the puppy's neck is too delicate and they can't handle those types of collars until they get older. Make sure that the toy that they're sleeping with is "baby proof" so to speak. It should NOT have any eyes, nose, buttons on it at all. It should only have sewn on parts, fake eyes and a nose. The puppy will enjoy having something soft to sleep with, and maybe feel less lonely in their new home, crate.

5. Also buy a small toy for the puppy to chew on while you're at the pet store. Remember if a puppy doesn't have something to chew on of their own, they will find something in your house to chew on. When they get a little bit bigger then you can buy them bones, or something a little more sturdier to chew on. Wait a few weeks before you buy those things, but make sure you plan on buying them eventually because you'll need them.

6. If your puppy was feed wet food at their old home, then try to switch them to dry puppy food. It is best for their digestive tract, and for their teeth. You can start out by mixing a very small amount of puppy food ONLY into their wet food, then slowly remove the wet food as the days go by. Remember to do this slowly or the puppy could sick. Then you'd have big messes to clean up, and you don't want that do you. Soon all the puppy will be eating is the dry food. If they don't take to it at first, keep trying. They'll get used to sooner or later, don't give up, trust me if they're hungry enough they'll eat anything.

7. Also make sure you buy a sturdy leash and a harness type collar. When the puppy is little the bones in their neck are very delicate. Their small necks can not handle a regular type of collar. You have to buy the collar that their feet go into, and it goes across their chest. It is good to put this collar on even when they're just in the house. Do NOT leave it on them while they're sleeping. That way they'll get used to wearing the collar when you take them out for their walks.

8. You should also buy a small clock, one that is battery operated and it ticks. The ticking noise may help your puppy to settle into their new home when you're trying to get some sleep at night. It is never easy dealing with a new puppy at night, it's like having a new baby in your house. They may whine and whimper, but do NOT let them out of their new crate. Make sure that they understand that is where they'll be sleeping at night. No matter how much you want to put them in bed with you, even if it's just to get some sleep, do NOT do it. It will even more difficult to train your puppy after doing that. You can always pull the crate close to you, then stick you hand in the bars to let the puppy know that you're there. This might keep them from crying. The ticking clock is suppose to imitate their mother's heartbeat, so that should help. Also the soft cuddle toy you bought for them will also help. You can also hold the soft toy that they're going to be sleeping with to get your scent on it. Even tuck it in your shirt for a bit, and walk around the house with it like that. Or you can use an old t-shirt, something that you haven't washed with your scent on it. The puppy will sleep better if they think that you're right next to them. They have a very strong sense of smell. Lay out some nice (old) soft towels for them to sleep on. Do NOT over do the towels, because they may have an accident on them and then you'd have to either clean them or throw them away. One towel at a time. You can even buy "puppy wee-wee pads" if you want to. This is a pad that has a plastic backing, so that you can just throw it away if the puppy as an accident on it. Just place the pad on top of the towel you've placed in their crate for them. Also it helps if you place a towel over the crate. It allows for it to be darker, and then the puppy can't see real well where they are or where you are in the room. Make sure you do NOT completely cover the holes or slots that are on the kennel. Leave some air space for the puppy, but also so you can peek inside to see what they're up to. NEVER put their chew toy in the kennel with them. They need to know that the crate/kennel is NOT for playtime.

9. Make sure you ask the person you got the puppy from how often to feed them. It is usually only 2 times a day, once in the morning and once at night. It is best to stick to a schedule when feeding them, do it at the same time everyday if at all possible. When they're eating, then you can put their water down at the same time. When they're little puppies they won't need much food to fill them up, or much water. Do NOT over do either one when they're small. You should also place something underneath where you feed them and give them water. Puppies are messy, they don't care what gets spilled. ALWAYS feed them and give them water in the same spot, never move locations on them, it only confuses them with their routine. Also do NOT over do any treats. Puppies really only need their dog food for the first month, then you can introduce them to puppy treats. NEVER overdo any treats, it's not healthy for them.

10. Make sure you watch the clock when you're feeding and giving them water. It is usually only about 30 minutes or less after they eat that they'll have to do their business. Take them out shortly after that, and give them a good walk. That way they'll learn to do their business outside, and not in their kennel/crate, or even worse your house. Always try to use the same door to go in and out of when taking them for their walk. This will also teach them that is the door I use or go to when I need to do my business. Over time then they'll learn to go over to that door to let you know that they have to go outside.

11. You may have to puppy (baby) proof your house some. Watch out for stairs, things that could fall over on the puppy like a small table, picture frames on a table if the puppy runs into it, things like that. You don't want the puppy to get hurt. NEVER put your puppy up on a piece of furniture unless you are right there to watch them. They could easily fall off and then they could get really hurt. You may even have to get a kid's proof gate, if you plan on letting your puppy run around on a second level with stairs. Again you don't want them falling down the stairs and getting hurt.

12. Puppies do not really require a bath when they're small. When they get to be about a year old, then it's good to introduce them to a new groomer, or to getting a bath for the first time. WAIT to do this until their older. If for some reason the puppy gets muddy, then it's probably best to take them to a dog groomer. These professionals are very familiar with small puppies. They will do a good job getting them use to their very first bath.

13. Always remember to ask the professionals a lot of questions. You can ask the veterinarian, or the groomer, or even the people at the pet store. A new puppy takes up a lot of your free time. Plus there is A LOT to remember with having a new puppy. Also of course remember to give them lots of attention and love. Take your time, enjoy the puppy while it's little, because they don't stay that way for long.