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Welcome Home: The New Puppy Guide
From essential care tips to training techniques, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to foster a strong bond with your new four-legged family member.
1. Feed Them Right
Puppy food is specially formulated nutrition designed to meet the unique dietary needs of growing puppies. It plays a crucial role in their development, providing the essential nutrients necessary for their overall well-being.
Choosing high-quality puppy food is important to match your pup's breed, size, and specific nutritional needs.
How to Choose the Right Puppy Food
Consult Your Veterinarian
Puppies need lots of protein, fat and calories. At the same time, you don’t want health issues like rapid weight gain. Talk with your veterinarian about how often you should feed your puppy and what they should be eating.
Stick With Puppy Food Until Adulthood
Small breed puppies generally become adults at around 8–12 months, medium breeds around 12 months while large and extra-large breeds become adults anywhere between 10–24 months.
Consider Your Puppy's Size & Breed
Different breed sizes have different nutritional needs. You should also be aware if your puppy’s breed is known to have specific food allergies. These can be managed with special dietary care.
Gradually Transition to New Food
Changes in diet can cause digestive issues like diarrhea. To switch your puppy’s food, mix small amounts of the new food with their current one, increasing the ratio over 5–7 days until the transition is complete.
2. Create a Safe Space
Creating a safe space, like a crate, for your puppy is crucial for their well-being and development. Benefits include:
- Provide a secure and cozy environment.
- Assist with potty training & preventing destructive behaviors.
- Manage separation anxiety and promote independence.
- Ensure safe transportation.
- Offer a comforting space for relaxation and rest.
Benefits of a Dog Crate for Your Puppy
A Go-To Retreat
As important as it is to socialize your puppy, too much stimuli can be overwhelming. A crate gives them a cozy place to shelter whenever they’re tired or stressed. Add some puppy-safe toys for extra comfort.
House Training
Dogs don’t like to go potty where they sleep, so they’ll get in the habit of letting you know when they need to “go.” Crates can also help prevent unwanted behavior (e.g., chewing furniture) when they’re unsupervised.
Restful Sleep
Structure makes life less unpredictable and more relaxing for your puppy. Getting them used to sleeping in a crate at night can help create the kind of routine they need to rest more comfortably.
Easy Transportation
Plastic crates are lightweight, making it easy to travel with your puppy or take them to the veterinarian or groomer. They also offer a den-like environment, giving puppies the privacy they need whenever they’re feeling anxious.
3. Training
Nothing builds trust between puppy and human like training. Not only does it develop good manners and socialization skills, training also provides structure which helps a puppy feel safe. Plus, it can help defuse a scary situation by teaching your puppy how to control their impulses.
Important Basic Commands for Your Puppy
"Sit"
Not surprisingly, puppies can get overexcited. The “sit” command teaches them to calm down and is helpful when meeting new people or dogs, crossing busy streets and encourages good behavior.
"Come"
Puppies are naturally curious and that could lead to trouble. The “come” command is useful when they’re off-leash and want them to respond to your voice to protect them from a potentially dangerous situation.
"Stay"
The “stay” command can help protect your puppy by keeping their urges in check. For example, “staying” can stop them from running out into traffic or getting into an altercation with another pet or person.
"Leave It"
To your puppy, almost anything is food (especially if it’s on the ground). The “leave it” command could be a lifesaver when they’re about to eat or chew something that could be poisonous or a choking hazard.
4. Safety
Sometimes you have to protect your little one from themselves. Puppy-proof your home by:
- Putting toxic houseplants, cleaning supplies, electrical cords, small items and sharp objects out of reach.
- Keeping doors, windows, toilet lids and trash can lids closed at all times.
- Limiting access to certain rooms in your home.
Puppy Safety Essentials
Car Carriers & Restraints
For everyone’s safety, put your puppy in the backseat of your car so you can drive undistracted. To protect them from sudden stops and other mishaps, invest in a good travel carrier, seat belt tether, travel harness or booster seat.
ID Tags, Collars & Leashes
Just in case your puppy ever gets lost, make sure they’re wearing a collar or harness with an up-to-date pet ID tag. Whenever you’re out with your puppy, try to keep them on a leash. We also recommend microchipping your pup.
Pet First Aid Kit
In case of a medical accident, having a first aid kit can keep your puppy safe until you get to a veterinarian. Your kit should include pet bandages, styptic powder, pet-safe antiseptic and antibiotics, tweezers and cotton balls.
Playpens & Gates
Give your puppy more room to roam while keeping them out of harm’s way. Playpens and dog gates are versatile and easy to use, plus a playpen can do double duty as a den-like sanctuary for your puppy.
5. Play
Besides being fun, toys are great boredom busters that give your puppy a place to channel their excess energy.
Use treats to train your puppy and reward positive behavior. Go with puppy-specific treats that can be easily broken down into smaller pieces.
For their safety, always supervise your puppy when they’re chewing on any kind of toy or treat.
Popular Puppy Toys & Treats
Soft Toys & Fetch Toys
Soft toys are easy on your puppy’s teeth and gums, plus they provide a sense of security and comfort for your dog. Fetch toys like balls teach important motor and retrieving skills while exercising your puppy.
Chew Toys
Chew toys are a great way to discourage the inappropriate chewing of things that shouldn’t be in your puppy’s mouth. They also help with teething while supporting the development of your pup’s face and neck muscles.
Soft Treats & Crunchy Treats
Very young and/or small breed puppies should only be given soft treats to protect their teeth and gums. As they get older (at least 6 months of age) and/or a larger breed puppy, you can start offering them crunchy treats.
Bones & Chews
Puppies who have all their adult teeth (about 6 months old but check with your veterinarian) can enjoy bones and long-lasting chews like bully sticks. Make sure they’re appropriate for your dog’s age, breed and chewing habits.
6. Grooming
Your puppy’s grooming routine should include coat brushings, baths, nail trims, ear cleanings and good oral hygiene. Go ahead and groom them at home, but you should still see a professional groomer. They can spot potential health issues the untrained eye might miss.
Puppies should first visit one of our groomers when they’re about 12–14 weeks old. By that time, they should be up to date with their vaccinations.
Puppy Grooming Tips
Make It a Positive Experience From the Start
Whether you home-groom or come to Pet Supplies Plus, a puppy needs to learn how to be groomed. That starts by getting them used to having their nose, ears, belly and feet handled. Reinforce their training with treats and words of praise.
Don’t Forget the Ears, Nails & Teeth
Regularly cleaning your puppy’s ear can help prevent buildup that could cause an ear infection. Overgrown nails can break and may even grow back into your puppy’s paw pads. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can help protect against some types of heart and kidney disease.
Use the Right Brushes
If your puppy’s coat isn’t properly brushed, they may develop matting issues that could lead to skin infections and a loss of circulation. Use a soft brush or comb for short or medium coats. Go with a slicker brush for puppies with longer or thicker coats.
Use the Right Brushes
Even if you’re comfortable using grooming tools, it’s still a good idea to schedule regular visits with one of our experienced groomers. They can offer services that are hard to duplicate at home. Plus, they know how to look for and address potential health issues.
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