ut the fun stuff!
Puppies love to be trained. This is a chance to really set up good behaviors in your dog. Find a good puppy book that focuses on training and follows positive reinforcement, not punishment. You should also sign up for puppy classes. Always make sure that the puppy classes require all participants to be vaccinated.
Puppy classes are a great way to socialize your puppy with other dogs. Your dog is going to encounter many things in its life and the more you expose your dog to when it’s a puppy – the more well adjusted it will be as it grows up. Be creative – screaming children, loud motorcycles, booming firecrackers, hissing cats, annoying leaf blowers…you get the idea. Make sure you are aware of the surroundings – don’t take your puppy to areas like parks or let them walk around on city streets until they are fully vaccinated.
Find a good puppy food that is AAFCO approved for all life stages. Until your puppy is about 5-6 months of age, it is a good idea to give three meals a day. You can also use kibble as “treats” when you are training. Figure out how much food your puppy will require throughout the day and then set aside a small baggie to use for rewards.
Prevent bad habits early! Obesity is not only an issue for the human population, it is a major factor in dogs and can cause decreased life expectancy. Never feed your dog “table scraps” – especially when you are in the middle of eating…no one enjoys a begging dog at their feet when they are trying to enjoy their meal.
Microchip and license your dog. The best way to make sure your dog gets back to you if anything should happen is to get him microchipped. Licensing information can be obtained by going to your local animal shelter or your veterinarian can also point you in the right direction.
Find a veterinarian that you (and your dog) both like and build a great relationship. Consider pet insurance. Pet insurance has come a long way and there are a lot of options available (some include annual exams and vaccines, others just cover the unexpected).
Most of all… have fun! Enjoy your new addition to your family!