Bringing a new puppy home can be exciting, full of puppy kisses and snuggles, but involves many household adjustments. Your puppy has left their mother and littermates, and your goal is to help them develop into a devoted, well-adjusted companion. Here are nine steps to help your puppy become a success. 

#1: Protect your puppy’s health

The first step in new puppy ownership is a wellness appointment at Narcoossee Oaks Animal Hospital. Our team will examine your puppy from nose to tail, and establish a vaccination protocol to protect them from infectious diseases. Vaccinations should start at approximately 7 weeks of age and be completed when your puppy’s immune system matures at 16 weeks of age. Bring a stool sample to your puppy’s first appointment so we can check for intestinal parasites, and we will recommend flea and heartworm preventives to keep them safe. Consider obtaining pet health insurance now, because puppy premiums may be lower, and insurance can be a lifesaver if a serious health problem arises. Buying insurance for a puppy can also avoid non-coverage of pre-existing conditions.

#2: Feed your puppy right

Puppies require extra nutrients for healthy bone, muscle, and internal organ development, and the correct diet for your puppy’s size and developmental stage is essential. Large or giant breeds require a special formula to ensure slow and solid bone growth. Talk to a Narcoossee Oaks Animal Hospital team member about the best diet choice and feeding frequency for your puppy.

#3: Crate train your puppy

Your puppy needs a home base or “den,” such as a crate or collapsible pen that is large enough for them to move around, but not so large they can eliminate in an empty corner. Confining your puppy in a safe space with treats, toys, and a bed can help keep them out of trouble when they are unattended. Avoid placing your puppy’s den in an isolated area, don’t use it for punishment, and limit time in the crate to between two and three hours. 

#4: Housetrain your puppy patiently

Housetraining is where a crate or pen, which can help prevent accidents with an unsupervised puppy, is especially handy. Puppies need to eliminate every few hours, especially when they wake, after playing, or after eating and drinking. Designate their elimination spot, give them a verbal cue, and have a “potty party” with treats and praise when they do their business there. Scolding is not helpful if they eliminate inappropriately, because they know only that you are mad at them, but not why. Accidents will undoubtedly happen, so ensure you have a good cleaning product to remove odors that could entice your puppy to use the area again.

#5: Teach good puppy manners

Ensure the entire family agrees on puppy household rules. Puppies need consistency and loving guidance, and are easily confused if acceptable behavior differs among family members. The development of manners focuses on teaching your puppy which behaviors earn rewards, and avoiding punishment or physical techniques that can lead to fear or anxiety. 

#6: Socialize your puppy safely

The window for puppy socialization is between 3 and 14 weeks of age, when everything is new, and they absorb a lot of information. Try to avoid putting your puppy in scary situations, and look for positive experiences to boost their confidence. Your puppy needs to learn that visitors to the house may involve treats, other dogs can be fun to play with, and car rides result in extra attention. Let your puppy go at their own pace, and reward them for exploring and being brave.

#7: Start obedience training with your puppy

Training begins the moment your puppy comes home. A variety of training books are available, so try to familiarize yourself with basic puppy behavior. Consistently work with your puppy to develop good habits, and enroll them in a puppy class to provide direction and enhance your bond. Classes can help address your puppy’s behavior problems and teach them specific commands, and you can learn techniques for leash-walking them calmly.

#8: Accustom your puppy to regular handling

Now is the time to get your puppy comfortable with being touched all over, especially their feet and ears, which will help facilitate veterinary exams and nail trims. Introduce your puppy to toothbrushing to avoid dental disease development, and to flavored pet toothpaste, which can make daily toothbrushing fun. 

#9: Spay or neuter your puppy

Most pets are spayed or neutered between 6 and 12 months of age, but discuss your puppy’s appropriate timing with a Narcoossee Oaks Animal Hospital team member.  Spaying or neutering prevents pet overpopulation, decreases testicular or breast cancer risk, helps prevent your puppy from roaming or marking territory, and can reduce aggression or other undesirable testosterone-related behaviors. 

The Narcoossee Oaks Animal Hospital team loves seeing puppies, and we look forward to meeting your furry friend when we open our new facility in July. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a wellness consultation, and start your puppy on the path toward becoming your happy, healthy new best friend.