By: Dr. Jay Jesske D.M.V.

Puppies can be a great source of affection and companionship. However, dog ownership should involve careful planning to ensure both you and your pet live in harmony. Pets require commitment and time. The average life span of a dog is 10 to 15 years. Make sure you are well prepared before bringing a new puppy into your home. Then, raising a puppy can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Prepare Your Home

Before you bring your puppy home, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. You should have a crate, collar, leash, dishes, and ID tags. To avoid accidents, puppy proof your house. You will need to puppy proof your house much like you would child proof your home for a new baby. Put breakables out of reach. Harmful cleaners and poisons should be in a place where the puppy cannot enter.

Housebreaking

Puppies have to be let out several times a day. Take your puppy outside after meals, naps and walks. The puppy should be taken to the same area each time. If it eliminates, praise your dog. Sometimes a treat is a good reward. Never scold your pet if it has an accident. When you are not at home, crate your puppy in a kennel. The training process goes much easier when you confine your puppy to a kennel. Make sure the crate is the appropriate size for your dog breed.

Many times clients wonder why it takes so long for their puppy to be housebroken. Most often they do not want to crate their puppy. Actually, dogs are den animals. They prefer the comfort and security of a "den." When they are in their crate, they are less likely to have accidents. Too much freedom can cause a lot of accidents and destruction of your shoes, sofa, plants and other valuables. It may take four months for a puppy to be housebroken.

Diet

Make sure your puppy has plenty of water at all times. Feed your pet a food designed for puppies. There are many high quality foods on the market. Ask you veterinarian which formulation and amount is best for your puppy. Different breeds have varying dietary requirements. Puppies should normally eat three times a day between six to 12 weeks of age. When your pet is 12 weeks to six months old, you can feed it two times a day.

Socialization

Socialize! Socialize! Socialize! Take your puppy on outings with you. The more experiences they have in different situations the better. You will want to keep your puppy on a leash, but have it spend time with other people and other dogs. Your dog then becomes comfortable in different situations and is less likely to become timid or aggressive in new situations. The more time you spend with your puppy the more likely you will develop a strong bond.

Obedience Training

All puppies, regardless of the size or breed, should attend obedience training. The relationship between you and your pet will be much more enjoyable when your puppy knows simple commands. You can start training as early as eight weeks of age. You should try to reward "good" behavior, not punish "bad" behavior. Never scold your puppy. You might see aggressive behavior if training is not kept positive.

Our clinic offers individualized classes with The Dog Lady. You can call the hospital for more information.

Health Exams

You should have your new puppy examined by your veterinarian to determine if it has any major health problems. Your puppy should also be vaccinated at three-week intervals from six to 16 weeks of age. The first rabies vaccination will be administered at 15 to 16 weeks of age. Let your veterinarian know if you have a concern about your puppy's health. Usually, the sooner treatment is started the less chance of a life-threatening problem.

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