New Puppy - Regardless Of Who You Are, A Puppy Can Enhance Your Life

If you are considering buying a puppy for the first time and are not sure whether or not bringing a pet into the house will be a positive experience, just ask around and I can guarantee that you will never find a dog owner who was not happy. Puppies are a great addition to any household, regardless if you have children, whether you are retired, and even if you are a busy young adult going to school or just getting started in life.

Are you retired?

If you are hitting the retirement years of your life then this is a perfect time to make an addition to the house by buying a new puppy. Your schedule is going to be a lot more leisurely than ever before and this gives you plenty of time to love and tend to your puppy.

Be sure to do a little bit of research first on dog breeds that will suit your retirement years. I say this because if you are in need of a relaxed and quiet atmosphere, then certain dogs will not fit well in your home and others may be a bit on the noisy side. But don't worry, there is a perfect dog for every person out there.

Are you a busy young adult going to school or just getting started on your own?

Yes, getting a puppy can also suit you well even if you are a young person who is busy with school or starting a new career. There is nothing like coming home from a long day of work or a busy class schedule, and right into the arms of your lovable dog that has a seemingly endless amount of affection and love to give you. But first, consider the responsibilities of a new puppy, especially for your busy lifestyle.

1. Remember that dogs, especially young puppies, need one-on-one interaction almost constantly.

2. Most adults are on a tight budget and if your one of them then you need to consider the cost of maintaining a dog. Between pet food and veterinarian checkups, these costs can add up.

3. Think long term. Where are you going to be in five to ten years? are you willing to keep your pet around for the long haul? Remember that dogs are not a temporary relationship, these lovable guys and gals will be with you for the next 10 to 20 years.

Are you married and have children?

There should be no doubt in your mind that a new puppy would be great for the kids. I have yet to meet a young child that does not adore and fall in love with every puppy they see. Getting a new puppy will also teach your children a little bit about responsibilities and how to take care of an animal. Just use caution, however, when selecting a breed to introduce to your kids. Some dogs are not capable of handling the rough play that most children get into.

Total Puppy Care 2: Your Puppy's New Veterinarian, Vaccinations, & Over-The-Counter Medications

Having a happy puppy means keeping him healthy, and one of the primary concerns in raising a young pup is making sure he is in the best of health. This can be accomplished by starting out with good quality veterinarian care. In fact, bringing your new pup straight from the breeder, pet shop, or shelter, directly to the veterinarian is a wise beginning, especially when many pups come equipped with a short-term health guarantee.

Although your puppy's doctor may not be able to foresee what the dog may be incubating, he can certainly point out congenital defects, lack of adequate care, and diseases that are already established and showing signs. He can also advise you about vaccinations, worming, and nutrition.

These three factors will be essential to keeping your puppy healthy during his early formal months. In fact, all puppy care advice should be absorbed with the complete and total understanding that definitive information on the individual puppy's care should come exclusively from the veterinarian.

General Vaccinations

While vaccination procedures vary with the individual doctor and may depend on the puppy's health and age, the general procedure is essentially the same. Your new pet will get a series of vaccinations at periodic intervals (typically 3 to 4 weeks) which will protect him until he reaches 15 to 16 weeks of age.

At this point, he will no longer be protected by the colostrum (the mother's first milk) which supplies natural antibodies to protect newborn puppies temporarily against distemper. When he has outgrown this initial protection, the modified live distemper vaccine will have its full effect and will protect him for a year against the disease.

There is, at this time, no vaccine that is truly permanent. Every dog should have yearly booster vaccinations against distemper, hepatitis, and leptospirosis. If your new dog is over 14 weeks of age, then he will probably only need the final injection in the series to provide year-long immunity.

The rabies vaccine is not generally administered until a dog has reached approximately 6 months of age. However, in order to guarantee that your puppy is fully protected, it is extremely important to follow your veterinarian's advice about the number and proper timing for vaccinations.

Protect Your Puppy From Over-The-Counter Medications

Several over-the-counter worming preparations are available for the pet owner to try. While many of these may be harmless when given to the healthy adult animal, they are potentially dangerous especially to the unthrifty puppy who is severely debilitated by parasitization and its side effects, or other unrelated diseases.

Total Puppy Care 5: Housetraining Your New Puppy (Part 1)

Housetraining seems to be the most common nemesis of all dog owners. Left unsupervised, a puppy can spend months in a home without catching the slightest hint of what housetraining is all about. And if over-supervised and harassed, he may become neurotic and overanxious.

A happy medium does exist, of course, but many pet owners seem unwilling or unable to make the necessary commitments to the tried and true methods established by professional dog trainers. In the long run, a few weeks of effort will result in a truly housetrained pup, with a minimum of effort and strain on both you and your pet.

Housetraining Rule NumberŁ: Confinement

There are several important factors to consider in housetraining. The first of these factors is confinement in a relatively small area that has an easy-to-clean floor and is not isolated from the rest of the family (using a playpen is perfect). Far from being cruel as most dog owners complain, confinement reassures the young puppy and allows him to become completely familiar with the surroundings without being overwhelmed with the size or complexity of your entire home.

Confinement keeps little paws and playful teeth out of range of dangerous places, while ensuring that your dog is close to his papers, or the door to the yard, whenever the urge to use the bathroom comes over him. This means he is more likely to behave correctly than to have an accident, which results in lots of praise and affection from you.

Praise

And that is the second important factor in housetraining: praise. Your praise and approval are more important to your puppy than practically anything else in his life. A mere scowl out of anger can start him sulking in sadness while a pat on the head or a few kind words will set his tail wagging and put a big smile on his little face. Young puppies respond much more quickly and effectively to praise and encouragement than they do the physical correction. Therefore, we believe that there is no place for physical punishment for any puppy.

Consistency

Consistency is the third vital factor in housetraining. Consistency in schedule, in feeding habits, in praise and reward for proper behavior and in verbal reprimand when accidents occur, is of supreme importance.

Scolding occasionally for accidents but ignoring others, feeding at irregular intervals, lack of praise for soiling on the dog's papers or in the yard - all will only serve to confuse and discourage your puppy. So be consistent and have total awareness: your awareness of your puppy's whereabouts, his needs and urges, and his signals informing you of what's on his mind.

Total Puppy Care 3: The Importance Of Vaccinations & Guarding Against Potent Over-The-Counter Medications

Never give your puppy any parasite-killing medications unless they have been authorized by your veterinarian. It is important to keep in mind that these preparations, although can be purchased over-the-counter and without a prescription, can have side effects just like all other drugs.

Remember, there are many different types of parasites: hookworms, ascarids, tapeworms, whipworms, coccidia - all of which are most commonly identified. Since some of the parasites are quite difficult to kill, while others are relatively simple, many of these over-the-counter preparations must be quite toxic to fulfill their claims of being all-purpose anthelmintics. Therefore, you may be medicating your puppy with a very potent worm medicine which could be eradicated more easily with something less dangerous to your dog's health.

These medications are poisons after all, designed to kill living creatures that are inhabiting your puppy's body, And they have the potential to kill your pet along with these parasites. Proper worming also takes into account the life cycle of the specific parasite involved and this life cycle varies for each individual pest.

In order to assure prompt, efficient eradication of internal parasites without repeated need for re-worming, anthelmintics must be administered on a schedule that coincides with their life cycles and kills, in turn, the adult worm, the larval form, and the worm eggs.

Having The Correct Tests Done

Since animals may harbor any number of different parasites simultaneously, it is important to determine exactly which of the internal parasites are present in your pet's gastrointestinal tract. This is done by submitting a fecal sample (sample of your puppy's bowel movement) to the veterinarian for laboratory analysis.

By microscopic examination, he can identify the eggs produced by the offending parasite and will then be able to administer specific medications, in proper amounts and at proper intervals, to rid your dog of internal pests.

Intestinal parasites are often responsible for more serious problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, severe anemia, malnutrition, central nervous system signs (ataxia, convulsions), and verminous pneumonia. Since patent medications cannot deal with these problems at all, it is vitally important to worm only under veterinary supervision.

And of course, do not make the mistake of assuming that a parasitic condition that your puppy has will magically disappear without treatment. If you see worms in and around your dog's fecal matter, you must take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible before severe internal damage, and possibly death, may occur.

I just brought a new puppy into my house with my older dog. The older dog is very sweet unless people get in his face (he was abused before we got him) and the new puppy doesnt get that. hes growled at her several times but im worried hell bite her. i wonder if anyone knows a way to get them to atleast to be in the same room without growling if not being able to get along?

We have a 4 year old rhodesian ridgeback, and just recently got an eight week old new puppy. From the introduction, the older dog barks or growls every time the puppy approaches his face. They also get into these little brawls, where the puppy bites the older one's face, legs, and midsection. During this, the older dog shoves the pup around with his head and his mouth open. He does put his mouth around the pup sometimes and nibbles, but never really bites. Is this normal behavior, or are they doing more than playing? If so, any ideas of how to help?

Total Puppy Care 8: Final Puppy Care Tips For A Smooth Welcome Into Your Home

As a new puppy owner, before you can properly digest the high amounts of information regarding feeding, training, and socializing your pup, let us say one brief word about your new pet's first night in his new home.

This experience, by its very nature, will be a frightening one for him. Do not shower him with affection and attention during his first few hours. In fact, it is a good idea to have his personal area already set up before he arrives and place the puppy in it and allow him to investigate as soon as you get him home.

His bed, a water dish, and plenty of newspapers are the basic furnishings that will be necessary. In addition to these necessities, a toy or two, and a great deal of peace and quiet will be all he really needs for a while. If you like, sit down quietly nearby to reassure him as he orients himself.

No Food Please

Feeding should be postponed for a few hours until he has become somewhat acclimated to his surroundings. Between his car ride home and the excitement of his new life unfolding before his amazed eyes, chances are he will develop an upset stomach from any food offered immediately. If after a few hours, he seems hungry, offer him a light meal.

Limit The Affection

Don't try to overload him with affection right away. There will be many long years ahead when he will need and appreciate your love and care. Right now, it will only serve to confuse him more than ever, if that's possible. Let the family meet the puppy slowly, one at a time perhaps, and after a few gentle pats, leave him be for a while.

Avoid Unnecessary Injuries

Keep play periods short for the first few weeks, making sure the little puppy is not allowed to exhaust himself. He will soon become a full-fledged responsible family member and will be eager to play and roughhouse in due time. But right now, he is an infant and needs plenty of sleep just like his human counterparts, as well as safe play surroundings.

Do Not Be Overwhelmed

While all puppy care instructions and recommendations may seem complex at first, it is important to remember that your puppy will be learning these many things whether or not you are aware of what is happening. It is so much wiser, and easier in the end, to have him learn properly from the very start than to try to undo bad habits that have been established by improper handling or total lack of training.

Taking into account that your new dog will, hopefully, be spending at least the next decade in intimate contact with you, your family, your neighbors and friends, I hope that you will agree that following proper puppy care guidelines will be well worth the effort. Someday, someone observing your dog look at him with admiration and respect because of his radiant good health, his obvious good care, and his delightful manners.

New Puppy- Things You Need To Know When Bringing A New Puppy Home

If you have been wanting to get a puppy and the day has finally arrived where you were going to welcome the new member of the family, you should be prepared for the ride home with a little puppy.

Once you have selected your favorite pick of the litter and are ready to drive home with your adorable pup, it would be smart to make sure that the following preparation items are on your checklist:

1. You want your puppy to be comfortable during the drive and he may have a tendency to move around a bit, so be sure to bring along a thick large sheet that you can spread across the area of the seat. This will keep him as comfortable as possible, as well as help fill in some of the side pockets and gaps of the car with the excess sheet material. The last thing you want is to find that your new puppy has fallen in between the seat and the car door.

2. Bring a roll of paper towels that can be used in case of an accident. Remember, your new puppy is completely untrained and has no comprehension when it comes to using the bathroom. He may urinate or even poop during the drive home. In addition, if he is extremely nervous and gets an upset stomach from the bumpy ride, your puppy may vomit. Extra paper towels will indeed come in handy here.

3. For extra safety and security, bring a small cardboard box or crate in which your puppy can sit in during the drive home. This is an even better option than simply laying a thick sheet across the seat. Your new friend will be protected from all sides and there is little-to-no chance that he will use the bathroom in your car seat. Be sure to layer the bottom of the box with a light towel so that he is comfortable.

4. If possible, try to bring along a friend or family member that can sit with the puppy and offer him comfort while you are driving. The pup is scared, nervous, and very confused, so having someone there to hold and caress the pup will alleviate some of the stress.

5. Last but not least, drive slowly and play some soothing music such as classical or smooth jazz. Believe it or not, the puppy will be sensitive to the soft music that is playing. It will help comfort him during the trip.

Total Puppy Care 7: Growing Into Adulthood With Socialization Training

When raising a new puppy, you will find all kinds of information and articles that help you understand how to feed your puppy, housetraining, and grooming tips. Today we want to brush up on how to get your puppy to experience a positive upbringing by way of socialization.

Growing into adulthood is a very important topic that should be taken into consideration. While even animals in the wild will eventually grow to maturity with no human care all, it is important for your new puppy to develop a certain sociability, a willingness and desire to live with and around people, and to accept his owner's word as law, since such is his lot in life.

Proper Socialization Doesn't Happen By Accident

This socialization is accomplished not haphazardly, not by chance, but rather by diligence, hard work, and intelligent handling. Exposing a puppy to a variety of stimuli and gently, patiently, guiding him with each new experience will serve to create a confident, well-educated, socially acceptable canine.

The spooky dog, the fear-biter, the animal who backs away when approached, and many other dogs who behave in socially unacceptable fashions were created by neglect; neglect on the part of their owners to expose them to what the world has in store. Often these poor, neurotic animals are filed as the unfortunate status of "outdoor dogs" since they have become virtually uncontrollable under normal living conditions as family pets.

Proper socialization includes exposure to noises, unfamiliar people and places, other animals, children, travel, and other such stress-like situations. Puppies may be cautious about unusual and unknown things. Their lack of confidence may be demonstrated by barking, backing away, whining, or acting with nastiness.

Reassuring your puppy, talking to him quietly, giving praise, and coaxing him to explore the offending object or person will teach them that there is nothing to fear. Each time he overcomes his anxiety, new self-confidence is developed and he will find his next unfamiliar situation less threatening.

His exposure to people and children should be treated in a similar fashion. Many puppies are quite comfortable with all types of people, big or small, but just as many are timid when presented with unfamiliar faces. Ask strangers and children to play with the puppy, to pet him and gently encourage him to make friends. Kneeling to his level or sitting beside him on the floor will eliminate some of the trepidation he might feel by their mere size or quickness of the children's movements.

One Last Word About Children...

Very young children should be allowed to play with animals only under direct adult supervision. A puppy is not a stuffed toy and should the child mishandle him, the animal could be irrevocably damaged regarding his adjustment to all children in the future. Therefore, if your child is too young to understand the concept of gentleness, by all means wait before bringing a little pup into the household or you may want to consider buying an adolescent puppy (4 to 9 months old) rather than an infant one.

Total Puppy Care 4: Proper Diet & Feeding Instructions For Puppies

Feeding your new puppy can be as simple or as complicated as you care to make it. You will undoubtedly get feeding suggestions from breeders, shelter operators, friends, dog books and magazines, and perhaps even your personal recollections of past experiences with other dogs you have owned. Of course, in the end, the proper advice to listen to comes from a professional breeder or your veterinarian.

However, basic guidelines can be established for diet. Puppies should be fed frequently (generally 3 times each day) and should be allowed to eat all that they want at each meal during their rapid growth period, which is up to approximately 9 months of age.

Keep Your Puppy On A Steady Diet

A steady diet is better for the majority of dogs than are scraps and leftovers which may be lacking the proper nutritional elements for growth and development. Milk is a fine addition to a puppy's diet if it does not cause an allergic reaction such as diarrhea or vomiting. Should either of the signs occur, a switch to powdered or canned, condensed milk, may be substituted to supply calcium for growing bones and teeth.

Many puppies too well on a diet of semi-moist foods (those packed in cellophane) or dry meals mixed with some canned food for flavoring. The semi-moist and dry foods provide a high calorie energy supply while the canned foods supply a palatability.

For tiny puppies or toy breed dogs, the semi-moist and serial type foods can be made into a mix if necessary. Water should always be available in each be changed as often as necessary to keep it fresh, clean, and cool (but not ice cold).

Make Changes Slowly

Quite often, finding the proper food for a new puppy is a matter of trial and error. A safe procedure to follow is steering clear of all additives until the animal can tolerate his basic diet with no diarrhea or vomiting. That is, if the puppy is to be fed canned food, make sure he is doing well on that diet before adding oil, eggs, or other supplements that may tend to cause intestinal upsets.

Should changes in diet be necessary, it is generally adding a new food and decreasing the amount of the original food over a period of several days until a complete changeover has been accomplished. For those dogs that come equipped with loose bowels, a bland diet is advisable.

Cooked, drained ground beef mixed with an equal amount of boiled rice is easy to digest and may help firm up stools until a trip to the veterinarian can be arranged. Remember that water is very important to any animal's diet, especially those dehydrated by diarrhea or other diseases, as well as those puppy's which are fed dry or semi-moist foods.

Always Feed Your Puppy At The Same Time Each Day

Foods should be offered on a regular time schedule. This will not only help your puppy to adjust to the family routine, but will also be an invaluable aid in housetraining. After each feeding, his dish should be removed and any remaining food discarded or refrigerated until the next meal time.

Leaving food down for your dog to have access to at all times will only encourage picky eating and poor habits. Not to mention it makes housetraining nearly impossible and can cause your puppy to have food poisoning, especially during the summer months when spoilage is common.