How To Take Care of a Very Young Puppy

Caring for young puppies is similar to caring for a new baby. Puppies, like babies, are defenseless and have difficulty expressing their wants and needs. Also, like a new baby, what you teach your young puppy today will impact him tomorrow. By starting good habits early, you can help prevent bad habits later in life. Being prepared to take care of your puppy before he comes home is easy and will help make the transition easier for both of you.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Puppy food
  • Bones
  • Toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Visit your vet as soon as possible. Your vet will be able to give your puppy a thorough checkup and make sure he is healthy. He will also give him any shots that are due and be able to give you advice specific to your puppy's breed.

    • 2

      Do not leave your new puppy unsupervised. When you will not be able to provide undivided attention, keep your puppy somewhere safe like a puppy crate. This will give your puppy a place where she feels safe and where she cannot get herself hurt or into trouble.

    • 3

      Allow plenty of time to rest. Your puppy is growing and, like a baby, needs plenty of naps. Never wake your puppy to play. Keep play times short, stopping after a few minutes of play, even if your puppy wants to keep going. Puppies can play too much and become exhausted or even get so into playing they forget to eat or drink.

    • 4

      Feed your puppy on a regular schedule. In general, four feedings a day should do. Check with your vet for specifics on your puppy's breed. Feed your puppy the same brand of puppy food that was used at the breeder's or shelter. This helps prevent tummy upset.

    • 5

      Provide your puppy with bones and toys to help with destructive chewing. As your puppy grows and teethes, having approved things for him to chew on will help avoid destruction. Any bone or toy should not be small enough to be swallowed and not easily be broken.

    • 6

      Begin potty training early. Even though your puppy will not fully understand the concept for some time, showing your puppy where you want her to relieve herself from day one will help with the potty training battle. Whatever potty training method you choose, be consistent and do not scold. When you scold your puppy, she usually will not understand what she did wrong, and this will only cause fear. Instead, praise your puppy when she goes where you want her to.

    • 7

      Enroll your puppy in obedience classes. Check with the class instructors to find out how early you can begin training. Training your puppy when he is young is a good idea because the older he gets, the more set in his ways he may become.