Finally, Your First Puppy
Basic Puppy Care - First Weeks
Please research on the puppy that will suit your current life style. Some are high maintenance and some are not. They need excercise and some need a lot.
After you select the puppy of your dreams, you get to take him home without a manual to tell you how to succeed at raising him. The first night is always hard because the puppy will start to miss his Mom and other siblings. Depending on the situation, maybe the puppy has been left alone so he is scared. He may cry or whine through out the night. One can hardly blame him for his actions, poor little thing.
The pup will need a soft, dry, and safe place to sleep. Perhaps throw in a cloth or toy that has his litter mates or Mom’s scent on it if that is possible. If you run to him when he cries, you will be reinforcing the habit. Placing a sheet over the box or crate will get the pup used to going to sleep at that time. Try to be as consistant as you can , same schedule, same routine is what is easiest for the pup.
Puppies are mischievous by nature, and like their feline companions, get into everything. Be sure hazardous items like marbles, wires, rocks, and any type of harmful plants are far out of the puppy’s way.
Scolding your pup should be just like telling a child NO. However, when you tell him NO, you should show him the correct behavior. For example, if he is chewing up the newspaper, take it away and replace it wit one of his toys.
Praise him for chewing his toy. Reprimands should be sharp and short. Hitting or spanking may create more problems down the road and is not recommended. The pup can become fearful, shy, or aggressive. Make sure your puppy isn’t bored and is getting its proper excercise. Always reward for proper behaviors. Treats make a great reinforcement but so is a simple scratch between the ears and a hug.
.
Feed him a dry food especially made for puppies. Watch out for very high protein and extra vitamins as they may be harmful to your growing puppy. Feed him two or three times a day. Usually after fifteen minutes, the pup will have eaten all they want, so you can remove the dish. As they grow, after ten to twelve weeks of age, feed them once in the morning and once at night.
All of these should help your new pup get through those first horrible weeks away from his family. The bond forming between you will last a lifetime. I’m sure by now you have already seeked a veterinarian for you baby pup. It is always best to talk to the puppies veterinarian for his best health.
Keep in touch
Don’t miss out on the next chapter
