Taking care of a new puppy can be fun and exciting, but after a week or so they novelty can quickly wear off. Remember that when you bring home a puppy, you are making a commitment to love and care for the puppy for its lifetime. First and foremost, be honest with yourself: Do you have time for a puppy? And, once the puppy grows up, do you have time for a dog? Puppies and dogs will need to go outside to relieve themselves. Will you be available on a consistent schedule to ensure the dog will not have accidents in the house? Puppies need lots of attention and exercise or they may before bored and destructive.

Secondly, you should ask yourself if you have the financial resources for a dog? While a puppy may not have many needs, there are a few costs that will add up quickly. In the first year alone, you will visit the veterinarian several times for vaccinations and check-ups. This does not include any extra visits because your puppy is sick or injured. Also, certain breeds may be more prone to illnesses and injuries. Most cities require dogs to be licensed, though the costs of licenses vary wildly. Will you choose to have your puppy spayed or neutered? Although this is a one-time cost, the procedure can cost well over $100.

When you think of spending time with your puppy, do you envision yourself curled up on the couch together, or running on a beach? Before picking out a puppy, you should consider the breed that would best match your lifestyle. You should also consider the space you can make available to your dog. While there are exceptions, you typically should not bring home a large dog if you live in an apartment and do not plan on spending a large amount of time running and playing outside. Likewise, if you have an active lifestyle and want a dog that can keep up, the tiny legs of a Chihuahua may not be the best choice for you.

Taking care of a new puppy can be a fun and rewarding experience, but you should consider the time and energy needed to do so before bringing home a puppy. Caring for a new puppy can be a lot of work, but it is also fun for many people. To be fair to your puppy, carefully consider the amount of time and energy you can comfortably devote to spending with your puppy. When you bring home a puppy, you are promising to care for and love your new puppy for its lifetime. Be sure the two of you will be a good match by choosing a breed that will best match your lifestyle.

Just like many parents believe it’s important to vaccinate their children against preventable diseases, most dog-parents feel the same about vaccinating their puppies against serious illnesses. Puppy shots are crucial to your puppy’s well-being. The recommended vaccination schedule begins between 5 and 8 weeks of age when the maternal antibodies supplied in the mother’s milk begins to wear off. Most vaccines are given as combination vaccines that will protect your puppy against multiple viruses in one shot. Common vaccines are for Distemper, Rabies, Canine Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. Your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccines based on your region and puppy’s breed. Typically, your puppy will receive a series of three combination vaccines, plus a Rabies vaccine around 16 weeks old. You will need to bring your dog in annually so that your dog can be given booster shots to ensure continuous protection.

Vaccines help to prevent a number of common diseases. When it comes to vaccines, it is especially important to remember that some diseases do not have a cure. For example, if your dog is not vaccinated against the Canine Parvovirus and contracts the disease, her chances of survival are very low. What is worse, there is no cure for Canine Parvovirus. Your veterinarian will only be able to treat the symptoms while your puppy’s immune system is put to the ultimate test.

Vaccines are divided into two categories, core and noncore vaccines. Core vaccines are the essential vaccines that most cities and states require licensed dogs to have. Noncore vaccines may also be required by your municipality or recommended by your veterinarian, but the need for these immunizations are based largely on your specific location and breed. Certain breeds are more susceptible to specific illnesses than others. You should discuss with your veterinarian any breed-specific concerns you have for you puppy, or vaccinations that are particularly important based on where you live.

Puppy shots are an important part of proper puppy care. They are able to prevent a wide range of diseases that would otherwise harm your dog. Your veterinarian will recommend a vaccination schedule that will probably begin between 5-8 weeks old. Some breeds are more susceptible to certain viruses so your vet may recommend additional vaccines based on your breed or location. In many areas, you will need to provide your puppy’s shot record to obtain a dog license.

            The cost of puppy daycare varies greatly, and will depend largely on the services provided, the geographical area, and the amount of time your puppy spends in the program. If you love your dog, but feel that you are not spending enough time with him, then a puppy daycare may be a good way to keep your dog occupied while you are at work. Likewise, if your dog becomes destructive after spending house alone while you are gone, a doggie daycare program may keep both of you happy. Some puppy daycares also offer overnight programs that allow for boarding when owners go away on business trips or vacations.

            Private, in-home daycare programs are often smaller because they are limited by the space available in the owner’s home. While the space and number of dogs are typically smaller, that doesn’t mean in-home doggie daycare programs are not just as good as their commercial counterparts. And, because in-home facilities have less staff and lower overhead, they are likely to cost less, too.

            Commercial facilities usually employ a fully trained staff that is prepared to meet your dog’s every need, and many of her wants, too. Employees of commercial facilities are available to provide significant interaction with your puppy, in most cases. Some larger facilities have television programs that may interest your pooch. Also, larger programs may also offer more opportunities for your dog to socialize with other dogs.

Many dogs do not like to be left alone for long periods of time; however, you may have no choice if you work full time. You should consider a puppy daycare program to care for your dog while you are away. At puppy daycare, your dog will receive attention and company while you are working. No matter if you choose an in-home facility or a commercial facility, be prepared to provide vet records to ensure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on her vaccinations. Depending on the personality of your dog, you may prefer the services of one of the doggie daycare programs over the other.

 Newborn puppies are precious, but also vulnerable without their mother to provide for their every need. You should care for the mother dog so she can focus her energy on caring for her new puppies, especially in the first few weeks. As the puppies get older, they will be busy exploring and you may need to help the mother ensure the pups stay safe. Newborn puppy care is important because the puppies are so fragile and delicate. To help the mother, remember that a nursing dog needs more food and water than usual. Be sure to feed the mother a brand with high quality ingredients, preferably one that is designed for female dogs with a litter of puppies.

It is likely that the mother found a safe and comfortable place prior to giving birth. Perhaps you even helped her by making a special spot for the mother and her newborn puppies. Unless the litter is in an area that is not protected from the weather or is subject to extreme temperatures, you should not move the puppies. During the first couple weeks, you should give the mother dog and her puppies lots of quiet and privacy. Even if your dog is usually very kind and happy to see you, frequent visitors will probably cause her a great deal of stress.

While it is very tempting, newborn puppies should not be handled frequently in the beginning. First, a newborn puppy is very fragile, and by frequently handling the puppy you may accidentally hurt it. Secondly, the mother may be very protective of her litter. Even though she may not otherwise snap at you, she may do so to protect her newborn puppies.

Caring for newborn puppies is a very important job, but the primary care should be left up to the mother. The most important thing you can do is to ensure the mother is well cared for. Secondly, be sure the litter is in an area that is in a safe and protected area. If the birth of the pups was prepared for ahead of time, it is likely you made sure the mother had a quiet and comfortable spot. Finally, although it is hard to resist round and warm puppies, you should not handle the pups right away because they are delicate and the mother may become upset if she things you are taking away one of her babies.

If you have common sense, then you probably already know how to take care of a puppy. Good care starts with love and patience. Puppies are so cute and cuddly, how can it be hard not to love them unconditionally? How about when your puppy piddles on the floor, or chews on your favorite shoes (again)? Having realistic expectations for your puppy will help you be patient as you and your new puppy get to know each other. While it’s important to start training your dog from the beginning, you should remember that your puppy will not be fully housetrained for at least a couple weeks, sometimes longer depending on the breed.

Physical health is important for puppies, too. You should feed your puppy nutritious food that is developed with a puppy’s nutritional needs in mind. While more expensive good typically contains higher quality ingredients, it is not necessary to feed your puppy the most expensive food on the market. Puppies should visit a veterinarian at least several times during their first year. These visits will include check-ups and vaccinations. Your puppy may visit the vet more often if she gets sick, or if you decide to have her spayed.

Obedience training is a good idea for puppies and dogs. Learning commands such as “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Come” will help you and your puppy feel comfortable going out and being social, or having good behavior when company comes to visit. Your veterinarian will be able to give you specific tips for training your dog. There are also many classes available if you’d like advanced training; however, most dog owners are more than capable of teaching their dogs and puppies a wide range of commands and tricks.

Most people already know how to take care of a puppy, but would like some tips for good puppy care. Puppies need a lot of attention and the most important thing you can do for your puppy is to spend a lot of time with her. As a responsible pet owner, be sure to schedule regular visits with your veterinarian that include check-ups and vaccinations against dangerous viruses. Basic obedience training is a great way to establish good behavior with puppies, and also gives you an opportunity to bond with your new puppy.

How you feed your puppy is not nearly as important as what you feed your puppy. Once a new puppy is weaned from his mother, you are responsible for giving your puppy food that will help him grow and stay healthy. It is recommended that you start off using the same brand your puppy was fed before you brought him home. If you choose to change brands, you should introduce the new brand slowly, over the course of 7-10 days. While there are three types of dog food available, dry kibble, semi-moist, and moist, most experts believe you should only feed your puppy dry kibble. More expensive foods generally contain higher-quality ingredients while cheaper foods contain poor-quality ingredients. Some brands also offer puppy chow that is formulated specifically for large-breed puppies.

Your puppy will benefit most by feeding a puppy on a schedule. Puppies who are allowed to eat as much as they want by having food available all the time are less likely to maintain their optimal weight as adult dogs. Puppies should be fed three times a day, but as adults, they should be fed twice a day. It will be easier to housebreak your puppy by knowing exactly when he eats. To know how much you should feed your puppy, consult the chart on the back of the bag. Your puppy may eat more or less, so use the chart only as a guide.

 Puppies need water and lots of it. Because water is so important to the health, growth, and development of a puppy, ensuring that your puppy has clean, fresh water is the most important part of feeding a puppy. Growing puppies need more water, pound for pound, than adult dogs because of their rapid growth and development.

Properly feeding your new puppy is the best way to give him a healthy, happy start. You should feed your puppy a high-quality food that is specially designed for growing puppies. Establishing a feeding schedule and being consistent with that schedule will help with housebreaking. It will also help develop healthy eating habits as an adult dog. While food quality is important, the most crucial aspect of your puppy’s health and development is ensuring your puppy receives adequate water.

There will likely come a time in every puppy’s life when it is time for a bath. While many dogs enjoy playing in the water, bath time is much different and many owners find it difficult bathing a puppy, or grown dog for that matter. Because puppies have such delicate skin, you should not bathe a puppy younger than eight weeks old and should limit baths to once every 4 weeks until the puppy gets older. It’s important that you use shampoo that is made specifically for puppies because it is designed to be gentle on their skin. You may also consider using puppy wipes to keep your puppy smelling fresh between baths.

Your dog may be uncomfortable getting bathed at first. You should establish a routine to help your dog feel better about taking a bath. It will make bath time much easier if you allow your dog to get used to sitting in the tub with water. Slowly pour water over your dog and let her get accustomed to that. You may not be able to fully bathe your dog in one sitting. It may take several attempts to acclimate your puppy to this part of the grooming process.

When you are able to fully wash your dog, there are a few tips to consider. First, make sure you have everything you need within arm’s reach. For most people, this means having a towel, puppy shampoo, and a cup or bucket for rinsing nearby. When washing your puppy, it is important to avoid getting soap and water in her eyes and ears. Her face may be cleaned with a soft cloth, while her ears should be cared for with cotton balls if necessary.

Grooming is an important routine to many pet owners, and it is likely you will want to bathe your puppy at some point in the future. Bathing a puppy can be an easy part of your puppy’s care providing you set the state for it to be a success. Make sure your puppy is old enough for a bath, and be sure to use a shampoo that is gentle on her skin. Your puppy’s first bath may be rather short as you help her get acclimated to sitting in the tub. Be sure you have everything necessary nearby to make bath time easier.

Puppies should be in the care of their mother until they are fully weaned, or about eight weeks old, depending on the breed. During this time, the best thing you can do is ensure the mother is properly cared for. This means making sure the mother feels safe and protected, is given nutritious food, and has access for fresh, clean water.

Once the puppies are weaned from their mother, they can be brought home. The first couple nights at his new home, a new puppy may whimper at night because he misses the comfort of his mother and littermates. You should make sure your home is prepared to handle a naturally curious puppy by ensuring there are no cords for him to chew on, and that he cannot escape or get trapped.

Your new puppy may sleep a lot during the first few weeks after coming home. He has been busy adapting to his new surroundings and this is completely normal. When caring for puppies, especially puppies that are becoming more active, it is important that you feed them properly and make sure they get lots of playtime and exercise. Be sure you have realistic expectations about your new puppy. It will likely take several weeks (or longer) before your puppy is fully housebroken. He will also need lots of practice learning obedience and new tricks.

Many dog owners come to treat their dogs as children, and it’s completely natural to think of your new puppy as a baby. Caring for newborn puppies should be left up to the mother, but it is important to ensure her needs are met so she can focus on caring for her pups. After bringing your puppy home, caring for puppies becomes the owners’ responsibilities. Be sure your new puppy has a safe, healthy home. Puppies will grow quickly so it is important to feed them quality food, and make sure they are given lots of love and attention. If there are any questions, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian or pet health care professional for advice.

Puppy Care 101 offers some basic tips for general puppy care. Specific breeds may require additional care, such as grooming and training. Puppies are very curious creatures and like to explore their environment; however, they may not know what is safe and what is dangerous. It is your job to keep your puppy safe and healthy. Before bring your new puppy home, you should be sure there are no cords lying around that your puppy may chew or pull on. While exploring, puppies may get stuck behind furniture so be sure you are available to “rescue” if this should happen. Small puppies may also have difficulty with stairs; whenever possible, block off stairways to prevent falls.

Puppies will grow quickly, this is especially noticeable in large breeds. It is important to feed your puppy nutritious food to facilitate her growth. There are a number of brands on the market that are made to meet the special nutritional needs of puppies. Look at the side of the bag to determine when and how much food you should give your puppy. You may want to put your puppy on a feeding schedule. Experts suggest this routine may eliminate obesity problems later in life and will help with housetraining.

Before bringing your puppy home, it is important to be honest with yourself regarding how much time you have to spend with a dog. Different breeds require varying amounts of exercise and play, but understand that no dog will tolerate being cooped up all day, every day. Playing with your puppy facilitates bonding. You should match your lifestyle and interests with characteristics of a breed. For example, if you imagine yourself playing Frisbee in the park with your pooch, consider a retrieving breed such as Golden Retrievers or Labs.

 These tips offer basic advice for Puppy Care 101 when it comes to caring for a new puppy. The average lifespan for most dogs is twelve years or longer, so remember that you are making a commitment for many years. It is advised that you puppy-proof your home to keep your puppy safe. There are many brands of foods available that are designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of your puppy. Puppies need lots of attention and you should consider the energy level of your prospective breed before bringing him home.

Don’t let this happen to you and your new puppy.  Invest the time to successfully housebreak your puppy.  Here are a few free tips to puppy potty training:

Prepare Your Home for Potty Training Your Puppy

Step one is to make sure your household environment is conducive to puppy training.  Just as you would when potty training a child, set the stage for success.

Restrict your new puppy to a small area of the house. This is a good practice in general as letting your dog roam throughout the house can be overwhelming to him.   It also helps with house training in several respects.  First, it is much easier to keep an eye on your puppy and watch for the signs that he needs to relieve himself.  Second, there is nothing more frustrating than finding little “surprises” throughout your house.  House training accidents are inevitable; however, if your puppy is only allowed in a certain area house that are easily to clean, your frustration level will be much lower when they happen.  Dog gates in a couple of key areas in your home make restricting your puppy a simple process.  Most of us are familiar with old fashioned dog gates that had to be screwed into walls or door frames.  However, new models are available that have tensions mounts that eliminate the need for screws and permanent damage to your home, as well as free standing models.

Use a crate for potty training your puppy. Crates are useful in many aspects of dog training and they are especially useful in potty training a puppy.  Whenever you cannot be right next to your dog to watch for signs that he needs to go outside, put him in his crate.  Puppies will not defecate where they sleep and they will wait until you take them out to relieve themselves.   It is important that the crate is just large enough for him to sleep in, so rather than buying multiple crates as he grows, find a dog crate that includes a panel that will allow you to size down the area and can be adjusted as your puppy grows.

Have Realistic Expectations for Potty Training Your Puppy

Many new pet owners set their puppy up to fail by having unrealistic expectations.  There are several puppy potty training courses out there such as, “How to housebreak a puppy in 7 days.”  Whether or not courses like those will be effective is highly dependent on two things:  how consistent and diligent you are in the training process and whether the puppy is old enough to be potty trained.

If your puppy is younger than 8 weeks, it is just not realistic to expect him to have enough control over his bladder to be reliably potty trained after a few days of training.    When puppies are young, their bladders are small and they haven’t matured enough to physically have consistent bladder control.

Expect potty training accidents.  Puppy potty training is a process and there will be accidents.  Just as you make mistakes when you are learning something new, he will make mistakes as well.

How to Potty Train a Puppy

Now, getting down to business, how do you actually potty train a puppy?  The basics are really fairly simple:  be observant and be consistent.

• Set aside time to focus on potty training your puppy. If you are going to try to house break your puppy in 7 days, set aside those 7 days to focus on it.  Don’t try to potty train in the middle of a hectic and chaotic schedule.  If you have to take vacation time in order to have a consistent schedule, do it.
• Set up a potty training schedule: The biology of your puppy is simple:  something goes in and something comes out.  The key to a consistent potty training schedule is finding the timing between the two.  Take your puppy out the first thing in the morning.  Take him out 20 to 30 minutes after he eats.  Take him out right before he goes to bed.  Keep track of when you feed him and when he goes.  Be consistent.  If you don’t set up a schedule that he can rely on, he will just relieve himself whenever he feels the urge.
• Praise for performance: There is a lot of bad advice out there that recommends rubbing your dog’s nose in his mistakes.  That is not helpful.  Dogs love to please.  Rewarding for positive behavior is a more effective training method than punishment.  When it is time to go outside, put your puppy on a leash and take him outside to his potty spot.  As soon as he goes, immediately give him a treat and praise him so that he understands the connection between going potty where you want him to and the reward.  Then let him off the leash and play a little before going inside.  Going potty should be the first order of business and play time afterwards.

If you are asking yourself how to potty train a puppy, you are not alone.  The majority of new puppy owners have the same question.  It does take time and patience, but be assured that every puppy can be potty trained by being consistency.  Your dedication will be rewarded a well mannered canine family member and years of enjoyment and puppy love.

For more information on how to potty train your puppy, click here for more free tips on puppy potty training.