If you just adopted your first puppy, then it is important you know how to properly care for it. Puppies require a lot of time and effort to help them grow into healthy adult dogs with a good disposition. To ensure your family's new puppy stays healthy and happy, follow each of these time-tested tips:
Tip: Make an Appointment with a Local Veterinarian
The first thing you need to do after adopting a puppy is to call and make an appointment with a veterinarian in your area. When you visit the vet, they will examine your puppy and give you advice about the best time for them to get all of the regular vaccinations that dogs need.
Tip: Provide Your Dog a Proper-Sized Kennel
Dogs in the wild sleep in dens so they are the most comfortable while sleeping in confined spaces. For this reason, your puppy will sleep better if you provide it with an appropriately-sized dog kennel to sleep in. Your dog should be able to turn around in the kennel but not walk around inside of it.
Tip: Provide Your Dog with Quality Food and Clean Water
Your new puppy needs to always have access to a clean bowl of water. Dogs often drink a lot of water, so you need to keep an eye on the bowl and make sure it isn't empty.
Your adopted puppy also needs quality food to eat. Rather than buying your dog food at the grocery store, instead, visit your local feed and grain store and purchase a higher-quality food made from real meat and not corn or other grains.
Tip: Use Positive Reinforcement Techniques for Training
While potty training and teaching basic obedience to your puppy will be frustrating at first, your dog will learn better if you use positive reinforcement training techniques. For example, rather than punishing your dog for urinating in your home, you should instead award them when they urinate outdoors where you want them to. Dogs always want to please their owners, and showing them what pleases you is the easiest and best way to train them. If you use aggression while training your puppy, then they will grow up to be fearful of you.
Tip: Socialize Your Dog as Often as Possible
Finally, it is very important that you take your new adopted puppy out in public and socialize it. While your puppy is out with you, it will be exposed to people and other animals. These interactions help your puppy grow up to be a dog with a good disposition and will eliminate many of the unwanted behaviors unsocialized dogs often have.
Talk to your local veterinarian about dog vaccinations for more information and assistance.
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