Getting You Started!
So you have a new puppy, NOW WHAT? Well hopefully this page will help you get started!
Please keep in mind this is what I do for my own puppies, please use your own discression.
Things you will need:
Pet Crate or Carrier (smallest is prefered for puppies)
Puppy Bed
We use & recommend Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula:
DIAMOND Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food, 6-lb bag - Chewy.com
Fresh daily supply of Water.
TOYS!! No string toys or rawhides until after 6 months of age. (puppies can choke on these).
Latex squeaky toys, and plush animals are best.
Metal comb, and brush, dematting combs are very handy.
Toe nail clippers.
Earmite treatment, this should be applied at least monthly.
(Many puppy owners do not understand the importance of ear health)
We recommend a fenced in yard but if you don't have one, a tie out stake or runner will work until you can get a secure fence or kennel, I NEVER let my dogs run loose!
And its always good to have a dog house outside. Even if its an inside dog.
What has your puppy already had done?
Your new puppy has been wormed at 2, 4 & 6 weeks of age.
It has been vaccinated at 6 & 8 weeks of age.
It has been raised in the house and started on crate training and potty training.
HOW TO PROPERLY CARE FOR YOUR NEW PUPPY!
Your puppy has had constant attention to make sure he/she gets everything they need.
Your puppy has been fed on a regular schedule of 8 a.m., 12 noon, and 6 p.m. until 8 weeks at which time they are only fed at 8 am and 6 pm.
Water should remain out during the day from 8 a.m. until appx. 8 p.m. and then removed.
Puppies before the age of 8 weeks of age should have their food moistened with HOT tap water to reduce choke hazard.
You should take your puppy out to potty about 5 minutes after eating, at each scheduled feeding.
And when your puppy potties, come back in the house.
Outside is NOT playtime it is potty time.
After about 10 minutes of being back in the house, go back out to potty for a second time.
Most puppies will not fully use the bathroom the first time they go outside.
If you notice any loose stool or diarhea give your puppy plain yogurt, if the diarhea doesnt clear up in a few days take he/she to the vet.
You would want to offer the plain yogurt in a seperate dish OR combined with the puppy food.
Crate Training
Crate training is not putting your dog/puppy in a "cage" or "jail", and you are not being cruel if you follow these tips. Dogs feel secure in small, enclosed spaces, like a den. Dog crates make excellent dens.
A crate offers your dog security, a den with a roof, and a place to call his very own where he can go to get away from it all. It is also a safe place for him to stay when you're away or when you cannot watch him.
There are basically just a few steps in crate training and they are as follows:
1. Choose a crate the same size as your puppy/dog. He should only have enough room to stand up, turn around and lie down. His crate is for sleeping or for a safe place to be when you cannot be with him. If you have a large breed puppy, you may have to buy two different size crates or purchase a crate with a divider you can move as he grows.
2. Use a single-word command for your dog to enter his crate and throw in a treat or piece of kibble. When he enters, praise him and close the crate door. Gradually increase the time he spends in the crate before you let him out. Remember, your dog still needs time to play and eliminate. Maintain a regular schedule of trips outdoors so as not to confine him too long.
3. As a general guide, your puppy can stay in his crate comfortably for several hours, depending on his age. Take his age in months, add 1, and that's how many hours he should be able to stay in his crate (up to about 8 hours). For example, a 2-month old puppy should be comfortable in his crate for about 3 hours.
4. Providing your dog or puppy with a crate that is way too large may allow him to relieve himself in one end and sleep in the other. Placing food or water in his crate will allow him to fill up his bladder and bowel and he will have no choice but to relieve himself in his crate. Make sure you take your dog or puppy outdoors to eliminate on a regular schedule and especially prior to being left for prolonged periods of time. Always take your dog outside on a leash to the same area in your backyard to eliminate so you can praise him when his job is finished. This will take the guesswork out of his visits to the backyard.
This information was provided by http://www.purina.com/dogs/behavior/CrateTraining.aspx