Puppy Care Information

A puppy requires around-the-clock care and attention. Plan how you are going to schedule and supervise his visits outside, house training, sleeping arrangements and feeding schedule. If you are bringing a puppy into a family, make sure to explain the rules of handling the puppy to any children and decide how they are going to help raise the puppy. Children should be taught to respect the puppy, handle him gently and never pull his tail or ears.

  1. Supplies

    • Shop for puppy supplies before your new friend comes home. You can find these things at the pet department of a discount store or at a pet store. You will need food and water bowls, a small collar with tag, leash, crate, bedding and grooming tools, as well as toys safe for puppies.

    Puppy Food

    • Puppies do not eat the same chow as adult dogs. Buy specially made puppy food, which has a smaller kibble that is easier for small puppy mouths to chew. This also is specially formulated to have the extra nutrients that growing puppies need to fuel their bodies.

    Puppy Bedding

    • Decide where the puppy will sleep. You can have her sleep in her crate or in a cardboard box with tall sides. Either way, make sure the puppy has a cozy blanket to snuggle on.

    Name the Puppy

    • Make sure that everyone in the family agrees on what to call the puppy and stick to that one name. Puppies can get confused easily, and having one name to respond to will help during training.

    House training

    • Puppies don't have a natural instinct to "do their business" outside and must be taught. Take the puppy outside after he wakes in the morning, after each meal and before bed. Do not allow the puppy to roam the house free until he is house trained to avoid accidents.

    Veterinarian Visit

    • Your new puppy should visit the vet as soon as possible to make sure he is up to date on all puppy shots. The breeder or adoption agency should be able to supply you with a record of what shots, if any, the puppy already received.