Tips for Raising Happy, Healthy Puppies

Before you get your new puppy be sure to find out as much as you can about the breed from the person you are buying from. Also be sure to have a carrying crate of the appropriate size for your breed, big enough for them to sit and lay down comfortably but not so big that they can mess in one corner and go lay in the other corner. This will help in the “housebreaking” you will be doing. Get some toys, water and feed bowls. Have a good quality puppy food and ask the breeder for some of the food she is feeding your puppy so that you can change the food gradually. If you are getting a toy breed it would be good to have a hi-calorie food supplement, like Nutri-Cal on hand so that if your baby gets stressed and has lo-blood sugar when you first take them home you can put some in their mouth and it will get them back on track real quick.

When you get your puppy home for the first time, don’t just sit them down in the house; first take them into your yard and let them go “potty”. Be sure to praise them if they do “good”. Then take them into the house and introduce them around…it is not a good idea to do too much handling the first few days…they will be confused and probably unhappy about leaving their siblings the first few days and will need some time to adjust. Just be patient and they will adjust in no time. Be sure to put them in their crate several times a day and then take them to the yard to “potty”.

Be sure to take your new puppy to your vet as soon as possible and follow his/her advice on all things pertaining to your pup…also keep in touch with your breeder for invaluable tips and suggestions in raising you baby.