Puppy Care: 5 Things New Dog Owners Should Know

Are you a new dog owner with absolutely no experience in puppy care? You are not alone. Many owners have gone through the same thing. There is so much to know yet it is not that difficult for you to learn.

You probably are aware that puppies have needs that can be compared to children's needs. For instance, they need health care, hygienic living conditions, nutritious food and training. If you're just starting out however, you probably are not sure exactly what that means to your puppy.

Health care

Your puppy needs regular vaccinations that will continue throughout his life to protect him from several serious diseases, some that can actually take his life. The first thing on your list is to find a good veterinarian who you trust.

Hygienic living conditions

While you might think that dogs have stronger constitutions than humans, this is not really true. They are just as susceptible to becoming ill from poor living conditions. If your puppy's bedding is filthy, for instance, he can become infested with fleas and ticks which steal his blood and cause severe skin infections.

Nutritious food

If your puppy does not get quality puppy food from the very beginning, she can suffer some very serious growth, health and developmental problems. Puppies need certain nutrients for building bones, healthy connective tissues, healthy organs, well-developed brains and maintaining robust energy. Improper feeding can cause severe problems now and throughout your dog's life.

Training

You might not think that training belongs under the heading of puppy care, but it is training that would help determine your puppy's happiness and his overall feelings about himself. Proper training and plenty of praise will boost your puppy's confidence. A confident puppy who has been given the proper care from the beginning will grow into a healthy, energetic and obedient adult.

Puppies Will Be Puppies

Just remember that puppies will be puppies. As humans, we tend to exaggerate the extent of puppies' unwanted behavior. If your puppy chews your favorite shoes or damages your carpet, you are quite likely to see this as a major crime.

If this is your first puppy, understand that digging, chewing, barking and jumping are all natural. These activities are not wrong from your puppy's point of view. Don't get angry. It is your job to teach her that this is unacceptable behavior.

Puppy care doesn't have to be difficult. It is all about how you approach being a new dog owner.

More information

Get more help from Sylvia's books and e-courses. For advice on buying, caring for, raising and training a puppy, join her 24-week Puppy Parenting Course today. Her dog nutrition package provides a wealth of advice on vet care and dog nutrition.