He will be there by your side, as your loving companion; he will offer you protection if the need ever arises. Owners of domestic dogs, in turn, must know how to take care of their domestic dog and be responsible for it. The dog’s needs are simple and easy to follow. When the puppies come home they need a lot of love and attention. They may get a little stressed at first, as this is probably the first time they’ve been away from their mother and littermates. It’s important that you start the socialization process, usually by integrating your new pet into your family and teaching him to relate to people and other animals through gentle play, interaction, and enjoyable encounters with family, friends, and pets.

A stress-free environment for your puppy

Try to avoid sudden loud noises, such as children screaming or doors slamming. Also limit the visits your new puppy has, gradually allowing him to get used to more and more strange faces.

Provide a warm, comfortable bed, or alternatively, a cardboard box with many layers of newspapers and a washable blanket on top. Make sure your pup will still fit in it as he grows. Place the puppy’s bed where you want him to sleep as an adult or adult dog; usually the best place would be a quiet and private corner. During the first few nights (break-in period), a squishy toy and a warm (not hot) water bottle placed under the bedding will help. The pup may be noisy and stressed at night immediately after littermates are separated from him. A low radio or a ticking clock can help calm him down.

When the pup is awake during the day, give him plenty of body contact and speak to him in a soft voice to express friendship and a harsh voice to express disapproval of any of his unwelcome actions.

Keeping your puppy safe
The following are things to consider when preparing for the arrival of a new puppy. Lock up household and garden chemicals. Make sure electrical cords are out of reach of chewers.

Be very careful when using lawn mowers, skateboards, roller blades, or anything else of the like.

Make sure the pup can’t get through any pool fences.

Teach your puppy the rules of the house
The newest member of the ‘family pack’ must learn that you are the leader of the pack and that you are the last dog in the pack. Once the new puppy recognizes his place in the family hierarchy, he will be happier and easier to train to obey commands. The pup will look to its pack leader for protection and make decisions for it.

nutritional needs

It’s best to start by feeding your puppy the same diet it was on before joining your family. You can introduce any changes slowly over several days to avoid causing digestive upset. Commercial puppy foods and later commercial adult foods are recommended: a good quality, well balanced dry food is essential. A constant supply of clean, fresh water must be available. A deep stainless steel or earthenware bowl will keep the water cooler, and in summer, ice can be added to the water.

Playtime with your pet dog

Puppies love to play and this helps them grow and learn. In the early days when they play among their littermates it gives them exercise and is the way they compete for their order in the pack. Don’t be rough with your puppy, but it’s also important in these early stages that your puppy learns that family members are dominant. Chewing helps puppies during teething, but it is also a way of investigating their surroundings. This need is easily satisfied with chewable objects and toys. Make sure they don’t resemble objects that you don’t want to chew on, for example, how does the puppy distinguish between his old shoe and all the other shoes in the house?

Puppy potty training

Anticipate bathroom needs. Take your puppy outside as soon as he wakes up, as well as before and after each meal. Go outside with your puppy, this is very important. Take him to a specific area of ​​the garden and wait until he is done; always praise the puppy afterwards.

The importance of exercising your pet

A retractable leash is ideal for a puppy, this way you can’t force the puppy to exercise too much. Adult dogs need exercise and play too: walking a dog every day is great, or playing in the park with a ball or stick. If every day is too much to handle, try at least four times a week.

groom your dog

Get your new dog used to being groomed, handled and examined as soon as possible. Your grooming kit should include a dog brush and comb. Establish a daily routine where you examine your dog’s mouth, teeth, eyes, ears, abdomen, paws and other parts of his anatomy, and even if you don’t need to brush him, do it anyway. If your dog is brushed regularly, you will only need to wash him if he gets very dirty or smells bad. It is best to use lukewarm water and brush the dog first. Use a suitable dog shampoo and dry it with your own special dog towel, before it gets cold. Nails should be trimmed as needed based on the dog’s breed and the surface it usually walks on. If it is a hard surface that they walk on, the nails will wear down naturally. Special dog nail clippers are available; If you are unsure with this process, ask your veterinarian or a dog groomer to walk you through the process.

Following these simple steps will ensure that you, your family, and the new edition of the family have a happy, healthy, and rewarding time together.
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(c) By Katharine Logan, 2005