How to Raise a New Puppy

There is nothing that can give a child or adult more unconditional love and companionship than a new puppy. However, it can quickly turn into a nightmare, or at least a list of problems, if certain steps aren't taken from the beginning. Your new puppy needs to learn manners and the rules of the house, before things get out of hand. There is a lot of responsibility that goes along with owning a pet. Raising a new puppy involves care, training and socialization.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppy
  • Food/water bowls
  • Bed
  • Toys
  • Food
  • Collar
  • Leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare for the new puppy before its first day with you. That involves puppy-proofing your home. Look around your house, pretending you are at puppy level, and pick up any item that might be interesting to chew. Don't forget plants, cleaners and, especially, any small items that could be swallowed. Make sure you've picked up puppy chewy toys for this natural activity of his. Puppies cut teeth, just like small children.

    • 2

      Purchase all the puppy supplies needed, before you bring that bundle of joy home. Some of these items might include: food and water bowls, food, bed, toys (chew toys), collar, leash, dog shampoo, brush and a crate, if desired.

    • 3

      Take your new puppy to the veterinarian. He should get a check-up and first vaccinations, if these have not been already done by the previous owner. Make sure you understand when future vaccinations are due and make sure you take your puppy in for them.

    • 4

      Start potty training, first thing. Decide where in the yard you would like your puppy to go to the bathroom. When the puppy comes home, he should be in a crate or a sectioned off area when you are not playing with him. Take him from this area every hour or two to the designated yard area. When he goes to the bathroom, make sure to use a lot of praise, so he gets the idea. Never yell or hit your puppy for having an accident.

    • 5

      Socialize your new puppy. In order for him to grow into a well adjusted adult dog, he must learn to act properly around other dogs and people. Invite friends and family to come over often and enjoy the puppy. Make sure people visiting your dog include women, men and children. He needs to get used to different genders and ages of people. Take your puppy, on leash, to different locations for walks, where he will experience different types of noises and situations. Also, he must learn how to behave around other dogs. However, until he is fully immunized, make sure the socialization takes place only with dogs you know have had their vaccinations.

    • 6

      Train your puppy in short, ten-minute sessions. Just like small children, your puppy has a short attention span. That does not mean you should wait to start teaching him basic commands and other training. Start with his leash, by putting it on him and letting him wear it indoors for small sessions. Other commands should be taught, one at a time, such as sit, come, stay, and down. Give lots of praise when he performs the command correctly. Never yell or hit when he doesn't "get it." Just keep trying.