Remember that when a puppy is taken from its mother and other brothers and sisters into a new environment it can be often very frightening for them. Keep this in mind at all times.
Only offer the puppy food at feeding time, I would stick with the time suggested by the breeder so as not to change their original routine too much. With the stress the puppy may be experiencing this alongside the food can lead to a little upset in the digestive system. To avoid this problem or help to minimise it limit the food intake for the first 48-72 hours.
The next few days of your time should be spent welcoming your new dog and trying to teach them the important things they need to know at the start. Things such as where they can go for the toilet, eat and to sleep. It takes time for the puppy to learn this so please be patient but eventually it will become routine for them.
It is often best to try and introduce your new dog to as much as possible before they reach 12 weeks of age. Areas such as being in the car, noises, other dogs, water and traffic outside the home are very important.
A puppy has a short attention span so please remember any training sessions should be often but short.
Remember that a puppy has a very small bladder so they can’t hold it the same as an older dog. Put paper down or training pads near the door to the garden or outside area. Remember also and praise when the puppy has done something right.
Never scream and launch out at your puppy this will only create fear and can often result in aggressions. Push the puppy away with a stern no and discipline them the way the mother dog would.
It is vital to prevent your dog from infections and diseases. Vaccinations will be needed for your puppy at around 9 and 12 weeks of age.
Worming should be done every month until the puppy is 6 months old and then every 3-6 month after that.
It is important that you feed your dog on a high quality, low protein, low fat food such as burns, James Wellbeloved, Hills or Wafcol. Don’t overload your dog on treats on top of their daily food allowance.
Your new puppy will need plenty of exercise to burn of all that energy. You may decide to walk your dog twice a day. Be sure to do this no matter what the weather so they can have a good run.
Puppies also need to get used to a wide range of events, environments and situations.
A puppy's first year is very important. Puppies that are well socialised grow up to be friendly and happy with people and other animals, and make very successful pets. Dogs that were taken out regularly as puppies can take different situations in their stride and enjoy going anywhere with their owners. Dogs that like people can be taken anywhere and live life to the full.
During the early weeks, a puppy will approach anything or anybody willingly and without fear. By the time it reaches about 12 weeks of age, any new encounter will be approached with caution and trepidation. Therefore, it is vital that a puppy meets a wide variety of people, situations and other animals between 3 and 12 weeks of age.
Take your puppy out and about as much as possible as soon as he has settled in. Begin slowly at first, gradually increasing the number of encounters and the time spent socialising as your puppy becomes older and more able to cope.
Since it is particularly necessary for pet dogs to enjoy the company of humans, it is important that he meets a lot of them, especially children of all ages. Take your puppy to them, and invite them round to your house. It's easy really, but you do make the effort to get on with it while your puppy is still young.
Keep your puppy happy by giving strangers small tasty tit-bits to feed, or by passing them a favourite toy so they can play together. Watch your puppy constantly for signs that he is becoming anxious or overwhelmed, and, if so, remove him from the situation or give him more space and freedom to approach in his own time.
More methods to be added as the weeks progress, keep watching this space........
Copywrite© 2007 Sharon Bartlett