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Right from the start this puppy will bring you lots of pleasure and fun by being your loyal friend and companion. But, like all members of your family, he or she will need the right care and attention in return. ( For the rest of this text your new puppy will be referred to as a 'he' but it will refer to boys and girls.)

This article will hopefully give you an understanding of the different types of care your new puppy will need. As it covers many different topics it might be a good idea to read it over a period of a few days.

 

How do you choose the right puppy?

It is very important that the puppy you choose matches your lifestyle, the size of your house and garden and the ages of the family members. Mum and Dad will be on hand here to choose the breed that is the most suitable.

Once that has been decided, the next step is where to find a recognised breeder. The Kennel Club will help with this by giving you a list of breeders in your area. After contacting the breeders you can then arrange to see the puppies with their mothers. Choose a puppy who is outgoing, with a pleasant nature and looks healthy. Mum & Dad will help with this. Please do not take a puppy any younger than 6 - 8 weeks old away from his mother and make sure he is able to eat and drink readily on his own.

Preparation for the arrival of the new puppy

Get everything ready in advance of collecting your new puppy. Remember he will find everything very strange from the minute he leaves his mother and home. He will miss his mother, brothers and sisters. By taking a little time to prepare for his arrival it will make it easier for him to settle in.

The first thing your puppy will need is a suitable bed. An old box or basket raised off the floor away from draughts will be fine while he is growing up. The inside should be lined with an old blanket so he can snuggle into something nice and warm. Puppies are by nature clean and will seldom do the toilet in their own bedding so spread newspaper on the floor round the bed. Make sure the bed is in a quiet area of the house so the puppy can sleep undisturbed whenever he is tired - a corner of the kitchen is ideal.

Your puppy should have his own food and water bowls which are a suitable design for his breed. You will also have to get a supply of suitable food for him so please check with the breeder for his dietary needs.

All puppies love to play and you should get him a special toy that he can safely chew. Please remember puppies can chew a lot, usually when they are changing their teeth so make sure anything important is kept well away from him!

Mum and Dad will check round the house and garden to ensure everything is safe as small puppies can endanger their lives by chewing electrical cables etc.

Lastly choose his name! Make it relatively short so he can learn it quickly and so that it is easy to use when you are calling him. 

Arrival of your puppy

The day has come at last when you are off to collect the new arrival.

If you are bringing him home in the car, please remember a puppy can wriggle about and it is very easy to drop him. A cardboard box, with air holes and lined with newspapers, can be used to bring him home. Also remember, in the excitement, a puppy is likely to piddle or even be sick so ensure you have a supply of kitchen towels to wipe up any mistakes.

When you get him home, allow your puppy to run about, one room at a time to investigate new smells and his surroundings and, of course, show him his bed. A young puppy will sleep a lot and should always be given peace and quiet to sleep when he needs it.   

If you have any other pets in the house introduce them to your new puppy gradually and always under supervision. Never leave a new puppy alone with and older dog or cat until you are absolutely sure the older animal has totally accepted him. Remember also to make a fuss of the older animal so that there is no jealousy which could lead to problems. 

If it is time for his meal, offer this to him along with a drink of water but do not be surprised if he does not eat well for the first day or so. This is normal due to the excitement of all that is new to him. 

For the first few nights your puppy will probably be restless and whimper when he is left alone. This is because he is missing his brothers' and sisters' company. Please do not be tempted to go to him every time he makes a noise or to bring him into your bedroom. Instead try to comfort him from the next room or play the radio quietly as a background noise for him.

Feeding 

Mum and Dad will have discussed your puppy's food requirements with the breeder and will hopefully have received a diet sheet to bring home. This will give you details of types of foods and times of feeding that your puppy is accustomed to. Like human babies, puppies have small tummies and need fed little and often - 3 or 4 meals per day up to six months old then 2 meals a day should be sufficient.

Please do not be tempted to change your puppy's diet too soon as changing homes is stressful for the puppy and continuity of feeding is very important at this time. If you do want to change it, wait until the puppy has settled in and is eating well, then introduce the new food gradually over 6 or 7 days.

 

Vaccinations

Early protection of the 5 major diseases that dogs are inclined to catch is a must. 

A new puppy gets temporary protection from his mother, mainly through her milk. However this disappears when the puppy is between 6 - 14 weeks old. It is very important to vaccinate before this has happened so please speak to Mum & Dad for them to arrange a visit to the vet's surgery. One jag is required usually at 8 weeks old and another at 12 weeks old. However this can vary depending on the vet you use, so please check with him directly. Your puppy must not mix with other dogs or be allowed out in public places until 10 - 14 days have passed after the second injection. Again this can vary, so please check with your vet. A booster must be given annually from then on.

 

Toilet Training

Training should start immediately. A young puppy needs to piddle and poo frequently so he should be taken to an appropriate place in the garden at appropriate times such as first thing in the morning, after a meal, on wakening from sleep and last thing at night. Always leave a supply of newspapers down at night beside his bed. Gradually, over a period of a few weeks, move the newspapers towards the door at the same time reducing the area covered.

Watch your puppy carefully and learn to recognise when he is about to poo - some will move in a circle, others will sniff the ground. Just before he performs say a chosen word like 'Be clean' or 'Busy'. Once he has performed give him lavish praise. After a time your puppy will know what is meant by these words and will perform in the chosen toilet place when you are out. Please remember not to allow him to leave his mess in public places like parks, playgrounds, playing fields or pavements as this could lead you to a fine. Pooper Scoopers are a good investment.

 

Training  

Before you take him out, your puppy must be introduced to his collar and lead.  Start with a light collar and let him get used to wearing it on its own - but not too tightly buckled, just enough to stop him slipping it over his head. Then get him used to the lead by attaching it to the collar and letting him wander around the house dragging it behind him.  Please keep him under supervision when he is doing this in case of accidents. Pick up the lead and coax him to follow you with praise.  If he tries to get away just hold the lead quietly until he realises he cannot escape. The lead is essential for keeping your puppy under control in public places and he will soon learn he cannot pull ahead or hang back.

At this stage you can begin basic obedience training. Keep the lessons short - say 10 minutes a time at regular times. Use short words like 'HEEL'  'SIT' ' COME' 'DOWN'  'STAY'. Show him what you want and at the same time, clearly say his name followed by the command. Always praise him when he gets it right but never punish him for not obeying a command or he will associate the command with punishment. Make the lessons fun for the puppy to learn and he will take a delight in pleasing you.

Further training can be given by attending obedience classes which are held in most areas once your puppy has been vaccinated and is allowed to mix with other dogs.  Lots of books have been written on this subject as well. 

Remember - MAKE IT FUN!!!

 

Exercise

The young puppy will get enough exercise by his natural playfulness at first but as he grows up he must be taken for regular walks. Please remember not to take him out in public places until his course of vaccinations has been completed and he has been given the 'all clear' by the vet.

Exercise varies from breed to breed so please check with the breeder or vet for advice. For example some of the larger breeds should not be given excessive running about as this can put too much strain on their growing bones.

 

Insurance

There are many Companies who offer pet insurance and it is certainly worth thinking about as it could save your Mum & Dad many hundreds of pounds in vet bills and third party risks etc. Ask them to investigate this as it is definitely to be recommended.

Hygiene

A healthy well-cared for dog is unlikely to pass on a disease to humans. However, it is sensible to take precautions.  Do not 'kiss' your pet or let him lick you. A dog's nose and tongue are often put to very different purposes from humans.  If you have been handling your puppy, wash your hands afterwards. Make sure his dishes are kept and washed separately from the rest of the family's. Do not let him sleep in your bed. Shake and wash his bedding regularly. Keep him clean by regular grooming. Get him used to this from the start so it is a pleasure for both of you. This grooming will keep his skin and coat clean and healthy. As he gets older and his coat develops, you can get more advice on grooming and trimming from the breeder or your vet.  Examine his coat regularly so you will see any changes, external injuries or infections.  Ask your Mum and Dad to speak to the vet about worming and possible neutering.  Also for advice on general signs to look out for which would show that your puppy is not well.  

As you can see from the above owning a puppy involves responsibilities as well as pleasures but if you follow this advice you will have a puppy who is a joy to own and who will repay the time and effort you have made many times over.

HAVE FUN!!!!!