OWNING A DOG is a great source of joy and delight. It is however important to take time before deciding the type of puppy you should bring home. some of the key pointing to keep in mind are:

.Its advisable to choose a breed that suits your lifestyle. Large dogs need plenty of space and also require plenty of exercise.

If u don't have much time for grooming your dog then opt for a short haired smooth coated dog.

.The best age to receive your new puppy is about 8 to 12 weeks.

.While choosing a puppy check that the eyes, ears and nostrils are clean and free of discharge. Check his skin and coat for itches, sores and bare patches.

.It's important to ask which vaccination your puppy has had and which ones he still needs.
.Make sure you check what the puppy's feeding routine is and follow it for the first week or so. It'll help void any stress to the digestive system at the same time as moving to a new home.



FEEDING YOUR PUPPY

As the owner of a new puppy, you will want to provide him with all the nutrients needed for a healthy growth. Correct nutrition is one of the main contributors to your new dog leading a happy and healthy life. Your puppy must receive the correct diet to give him the best possible start in life. When you pick up your new puppy from the breeder, take the time to discuss his feeding regime. Ask your breeder for a diet chart that will give details of the types of food, quantities and feeding time for a puppy and continuity in feeding is import.



REGISTER YOUR PUPPY
It is vital that you register your puppy with a vet as soon as you can. Don't wait till he feels unwell. Although he may look healthy and robust a young puppy is vulnerable and needs protection from a number of diseases. this first visit is a also a great opportunity to ask any questions about your puppy's generall health. This probably won't be a pleasant experience, so keep him calm and relaxed and he'll probably notice it less than you will. give him lots of care and attention, and take along a favorite toy or blanket to comfort him. it is also important to register your pup with the local club in your city



YOUR NEW PUPPY

The moment has come. You've decided to share your life with a new puppy. With loving attention, regular veterinary care, training, and proper nutrition, your puppy should grow up to be a healthy, happy dog and faithful companion.
Knowing a few basic facts about puppy behavior and how to care for your puppy will help you establish a good relationship.
so take time to learn about caring for your puppy and to make preparations for your puppy's safety. This will help make the home coming easy on your puppy and on yourself



SELECTING A VETERINARIAN

It is important to select a veterinarian as soon as, or before, your puppy comes home. one of the first things you need to do is take your puppy for his initial checkup and vaccinations. if you do not know a veterinarian, ask the person who sells or gives you the puppy to recommend one. you can also ask other dog owners in your neighborhood, local pet shops, or the humane society for the name of a reliable doctor
Try to choose one close to where you live. in case of an emergency, you do not want to drive too far.

Go meet the veterinarian and check that the facilities are clean. Than schedule your puppy's first visit for soon after he comes home.

it's also important to know where the nearest emergency pet clinic is because emergencies can occur at night or on weekends when your veterinarian may not be available. your veterinarian can give you the address and phone number of the nearest 24-hours facility. write it down in a handy place so you can find it quickly. Drive by the emergency facility to become familiar with its location.



PUPPYPROOF YOUR HOME

Puppies are like babies: they're lively, they're curious, and they teethe. This can lead them into serious trouble unless you take preventive measures.
Remember that a puppy has a lower vantage point than yours- like a baby who has began to crawl- and may be attracted to thing you cannot see when you are standing.
It's practically impossible to complete puppy proof your home against accident, but for your puppy's safety, . here are some suggestion:

*Confine your puppy to a safe area inside and keep doors and windows closed and/or screened securely.

* Your puppy should not be left unsupervised inside or out side. puppies will investigate, wander about, and possibly get into mischief (soiling, chewing, getting locked in closets or rooms, etc.).

* keep your puppy off balconies, upper porches, and high decks.

* Securely store cleaning supplies, detergents, bleach, paint and paint thinner, fertilizer, disinfectants, mothballs, insect and rodent poisons, and antifreeze. make your puppy cannot gain access, preferably on high storage shelves in closed cabinets.

* Remove poisonous houseplants or place them in hanging baskets out of your puppy's reach. some common plants which are poisonous include amaryllis, azalea, bleeding heart, caladium, clematis, daffodil, daphne, dieffenbachia(dumb cane), English ivy, foxglove, holly, iris; ivy, mistletoe, morning glory, narcissus, oleander philodendron, rubber plant, tobacco, tulip, weeping fig, and yew.

* Keep toilet lids down. Puppies may play in or drink the water. they could be hurt by the lid closing on them, and toilet bowl cleansers are harmful if swallowed.

* Small puppies can get tangled in plastic six-pack becerage holders. Cut the holder apart to prevent this problem.

* Unplug, remove, or cover any electrical cords in your puppies confinement area. if he chews live wires, this can lead to severe mouth burns, electrocution, or fires. Do not use electric blankets or pads to line your puppies bed. it is also a good idea to cover electrical outlets with plug covers when not in use.

* Never give your puppy any medication without consulting your veterinarian. Keep all medications (prescription and over-the-counter medicines) out of your puppies reach.

* Check to see where your puppy is before closing any doors. Make it a habit to conduct a "puppy check" before leaving home to make sure your puppy has not accidentally been locked in an unsafe area.

* Keep sewing supplies out of your puppies reach. Buttons, beads, needles, pins, balls of string or yarn, and thread can hurt his mouth or internal organs if swallowed. the same goes for nails, staples, screws, brads, paper clips, aluminum can tabs, and other sharp objects.

* Ribbons around your puppies neck can be very dangerous. if your puppy catches the ribbon on anything, he may choke. He might also chew the ribbon and swallow it, which could result in digestive problem .

BRINGING YOUR PUPPY HOME

The best time to get your puppy i after he is weaned and before he becomes too accustomed to the place of his birth. This is usually when the puppy is seven weeks old. At this time your puppy is old enough to be on solid food and young enough to become attached to you right away.

Plan to pitch up your puppy at the deigning of the weekend, so that you will have at least two full days with him to the veterinarian. This will also give your puppy time to become acquainted with you and including other pets. There are many things which he must adjust to in his new home.

It is best not to overwhelm you new puppy with excitement and noise. And do not let him out side unsupervised because he may wander away or be injured by another animal or vehicle.

INTRODUCING YOUR PUPPY TO HIS NEW HOME

Introducing your puppy to his area as soon as you bring him home .Put his toys in his crate and show him where his food and water bowls are. Your puppy will soon know which special little corner of your house is his .Respect his right to be undisturbed while he is resting. sleeping, or eating.

Your puppy probably will be homesick for a night or two, so don't be bedtime or mealtime. remember. he has just been taken away from his mother and litter mates. Show all family members the proper way to pick up and hold the puppy always place one hand under his chest. Never pick him scruff of his neck. Avoid rough play and handling of your new puppy. Let home make his own advances. It may be days before he feels at home and wants to play. Dont overtire your puppy. Play with him, but give hime plenty of time for naps.

Remember, your puppy looks to you for direction, comfort, and protection. Everything is new to him, so he may not be playful and frisky at first . give him time .Be patient. And talk to him.Puppies may not know people vocuabulary, but they soon learn to respond to your voice and commands. Speak to him often and gently and always treat him kindly.

TO CHILDREN...Most children love puppies and vice versa. But it is important to teach your children about proper animal care. Introduce your puppy to children gradually, during short period of time. Children must understand that your puppy is a sensitive living creature. Teach children how to correctly pick up and hold the puppy. Children must learn not to pull the puppy's tail or ears, squeeze or poke him, make loud, threatening noises, or move toward hime too rapidly.

To a puppy, even a small child looks like a giant, and a happy when frightened. A good way for doth children and adults to play with a small puppy is to get down on the floor at this level to make him feel more secure. when playing with puppies, small children should be supervised by an adult.

Older children can be given certain responsibilities in the care and training of the puppy although the parents must follow up to be sure that the responsibilities are being met.
Introducing a new puppy to a baby in your home requires precautionary measures. A baby has a different scent from the rest of the family. It does not look, move, or sound like an adult. It will take time to adjust. On first meeting, puppy and baby should be kept 10 to 15 feet apart, and brought closer very gradually, a foot at a time.

You should watch and use careful judgement in deciding when the puppy is allowed to sniff the baby directly sometimes only after several days or a week. Most puppies adjust to babies easily, but some my not TO OTHER PETS...Introduce your puppy to other pet in the house with care. When an older dog meets a puppy, it is advisable to have both pets on leashes. Do not leave them alone together until you are sure they are friends.

Whether your other pet it a dog or cat, remember to show her extra love and affection so that she will not be jealous of the puppy. And dont force your older pet to accept the puppy immediately . Letthem become acquainted at their own place.TO VISITORS...Iintrodusing your puppy to visitors is an important part of his socialization. It will help lessen his fear of strangers and make him friendlier as an adult dog. When introdusing your new puppy to visitors, remember the puppy's collar and leash. Do not let the puppy the command "Sit" and help him into this position Have him hold this position while being greeted. This will help him to learn how to accept greeting and praise calmly. Also, request that other adult and visitors respect your puppy's right, hold him properly, and talk to and treat him gently.

NAMING YOUR PUPPY

If you haven't already picked out a name for your puppy, do so as soon as possible and start using it. It'easy to get your puppy to know his name and to come when called.
Repeat his name often,and when he comes to associate his name with love. If you choose a long name or if he has a long registered name, you should use a shorter version or nickname in your training. Use a higher, happy tone of voice when calling his name and when praising him.

HOUSE BREAING

Along with teacing your puppy his name and coming when called, his next most important lesson is housebreaking. A puppy is housebreaking when he never eliminates in the house.
Your puppy should be vaccinated before you begin teaching him to use an outdoor area for eliminating. He also should be free of parasites, since an infested puppy may find it impossible to control his bowel movement. There are four major steps to housebreaking.

1.PROPER DIET AND SCHEDULING.

The key world is consistency. You must be consistent in both the food and time of feeding. A puppy's stomech is sensitive to changes in food, so you should not vary his diet during the housebreaking period. By feeding your puppy at the same time each day, you can train his digestive system . He will need to eliminate shortly after each meal. Afterhis meal take him out side to the same spot each time. Stay with him and encourage him by using your happy voice with words such as "potty time " or "hurry"so that he will associat these words with relieving himself. Reward him when he has finished with a hug and lavish praise, "Good puppy!"

Then take him inside immediately. Do not extend this period into an out door play session, or your puppy will be become confused about the purpose of the visit.

Other times your puppy may need to eliminate are when he awakes in the morning and after naps, after he finishes playing, after he drinks water, and just before bedtimes.
Use the same door each time you take your puppy out side. He will learn to associate this door with going out side to eliminate and he may scratch or sniff the door to tell you that he needs to eliminate.

Other signs that your puppy is about to eliminate include snuffing the floor turning in circles or squatting. Take him outside immediately whenever he gives you these signals.

2.PROPER CONFINEMENT

It is important to teach your puppy as soon as his "den," where he sleepe, naps, and stay when he is left alone.

Do not put anything in his crate except a few safe, hard rubber or nylon chew toys. (After he's trained to chew toys, can put a towel, blanket, or safe pillow sleeping.) Do not put food or water in the crate becouse your puppy will fill up his bladder and bowels and have no place to eliminate.

First thing each morning, take him from his crate, carry him or lead him on his leash to his outdoor elimination spot, provide encouragement, and praise him when he's finished. Puppies then take him back in the house, Puppies respect their sleeping quarters and will not soil their crate (den) provided they are taken out at regular intervals. And don't forget to take him outside after every mel.

During house breaking, when he is out of his crate, he should not be allowed to have the run of the house unless you are there to watch him. When you are away, he hould be left in his craft or confined to one room which is easily cleaned room which is easily cleaned chiken loundry room or bathroom. A puppy should not be confined in his crate for long periods of time since he will not have bowel or bladder control until he is older. A rule of thumb is to add one to his age in months to equal the number of hours he can be expected to be confined comfortably without eliminating. For example, a two month old puppy should not be confined for more than three hours.

If you are away from home for long periods of time ask someone you trust to take your puppy outside to eliminate at scheduled intervals.Try never to leave older pups for more than eight houres. They will be cheated of proper exersie and socialization.

if you follow the crate method, your puppy should be housebroken in four to six weeks. some achieve it sooner, other take up to six months, so dont be discouraged if your puppy takes a while. Each pup is an individual. Patience and persistence will reward you in the long run.

3.PROPER CORRECTION

You should never punish your puppy for relieving himself in the house. Contrary to popular belief, when your puppy has an accident in the house you should not rub his nose in it, yell at him hit him or throw him out side in the yard. Delayed punishment onlyconfuses your puppy.

if u see that your puppy has left a mess on your floor take him to the spot and say "No!" in a low pitched, firm voice. Than clean up the mess with a paper towel. Take the puppy and the wet or soiled paper towel outside to his designated toiled area. Place the peper towel on the ground and left the puppy sniff it. The scent will couse your puppy to want to eliminate there the next time.

If you watch your puppy constantly when he is out of his crate, you should notfind messes on the floor.instead, you should notice signs that he is about to eliminate in the house, say "No!" in the appropriate voice, and immediately take him outside to his designated area. As soon as he relieves himself, praise him.

4.USING AN ODOR NEUTRALOZER

Your puppy sense of smell is much more acute than yours. If he has a mishap in the house and door is not eliminate, he will return to the same spot later. Conventional housecleaning products will get rid of the odor for your nose but not for your puppy. Most pet stores carry especial pet odor neutralizers that are much more effective in removing the odors.



MAINTAINING YOUR PUPPY'S HEALTH

Perhaps the most loving responsible thing you can do for your puppy is to see that he receives timely health care from a veterinarian. It's important to establish a relationship with a veterinarian right away so he or she becomes a trusted partner in your puppy's upbringing.

Regular visits to your veterinarian should begin soon after weaning or as soon as you acquire your puppy. Puppies should be vaccinated against canine deseases and checked periodically for worms and other parasites. Your puppy should also have an annual medical examination.

YOUR HEALTHY PUPPY

One simple but impertant way to care for your puppy is to watch for changes in his appearece or behavior that may indicate that he is sick.To do this, you need to become faniliar with the following signs for normal health. You should also be familiar with your puppy usual behavior so you can easily detect signs of illness and injury. This will help you spot potential problems early so your veterunarian can begin treatment sooner.

*Eyes should be clear and bright. Te whites of the eyes should hsve not red or yellow discoloration. If there is any discoloration, tearing, cloudiness, heavy discharg, or other abnormal conditions, take your puppy to the veterinarian immediately.
A slight buildup of mucus in the corner of the eyes is not unusual. This discharge can be cleared away with a cotton ball moistened with warm water. If there is a heavy discharge, consult your veterinarian

*EARS should be cleanand free of discharge and oder. Check the ears at least once a week or more often for puppies who are more prone to ear problem (such as long haired puppies or those with pendulous ears like cocker spaniels)
Trim away excess hair which might prevent air from getting into his ears. If the ear canal is red, inflamed, hot, has a foul odor, or is sensitive to your touch, consult your veterinarian.
your veterinarian may recommend weekly ear cleenings. If he/she does, have the veterinarian recommend a cleansing solution and have him/her show you how to clean your puppy's ears.

*MOUTH should have pink, healthy gums with no redness or awelling at the tooth margins. The lips should be free of sores or growths. Teeth should be free of tartar buildup, and there should bad breath.

*NOSE should be clean and wet. There should be no discharg or sores.

*BODY AND HAIRCOAT should be free of tumores, lump, fleas, and ticks. Check by running your hands over thick, shiny, and silky-without greasiness, dandruff, or bare patches.

*LEGS should be checked for swollen joints. Inspect feet between the toes for excess hair or objects lodged there.Check the condition of his nails.

*ANUS should be free of swelling and intestinal parasites. For instence, tapeworm segment look like particles of rice. Scooting along on the ground might be an attempt to relieve swollen anal glands. If you notice any of these conditions, see your veterinarian.



THE ROUTINE EXAM

When you take your puppy for his first exam bring your veterinarian as much information as possible including your puppy birth date and any previous vaccination records. During the examination, the veterinarian will listen to the puppy's chest for heart and breath sounds; condition; and inspect the eyes, ears, and mouth The routine exam also may include examinitaion of the feces to check for internal parasites, so you will be asked to bring a stool sample. A thorough dental checkup by the veterinarian should also be included with our pupp,s regular exam.

VACCINATINS

Newborn puppies receive disease fighting antibodies in their mother,s milk. however, these antibodies normally last only 6 to 16 weeks. After that, vaccinations protect your puppy by introdusing mild doses of modified disease-cousing agents into his body to stimulate him to produce his own antibodies.

Diseases are easily transmitted between pets. your veterinarian will recommend a time tablefor the vaccinations your puppy needs to prevent these diseases.

Most vaccinations are given in a series over a period of time. This usually involves several vaccinations between 6 and 16 weeks, followed by annual boosters. (see the vaccination schedule on the next two pages.)



SPAYING/NEUTERING.

Unless you have a purebred for breeding purposes, neutering or spaying is recommended. Millions of puppies and dogs, many of which are purebred, are euthanized each homes for all the unwanted pets.

SPAYING (FOR FEMALE)

Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. it involves a general anesthetic and abodominal surgery. The veterinarian may keep your puppy in the hospital for a few days depending on her age and condition.

Female dogs mature sooner than males, and spaying should be done before the first heat cycle. The operation will eliminateheat cycle and possibly contribute to longer life by reducing or eliminating the chance of many health problems.

If your female puppy is not sayed, you will have to keep her confined or put her on prescription drugs when she is in heat. You also increase her risk of uterine infections, mammary comman to unspayed female dogs.

NEUTERING (FOR MALES)

Castration is the removal of the testicles through surgery. Neutering is a relatively safe procedure. In most cases, it produces mild soreness any requires only a brief hospital stay.
Consult your veterinarian about the best age to neuter your puppy. Neutering can help calm your male puppy's temperament, make him less likely to roam, and help reduce his risk of developing prostate infection or prostate cancer.

PARASITES

Parasites are organisms that can live in or on another living thing parasites checks must be conducted early and often, since parasites can be transmitted to puppies from their mother.

If left unchecked, parasites can make life miserable for you and your puppy. As with most health problems, prevention of parasites is easier and less expensive than treatment. So be alert for early signs and symtoms.

INTERNAL PARASITES.

Internal parasites usually live in a puppy's digestive system and are detected by an examination of the puppy's stool.
Treatment for worms and parasites can begin at two weeks of age and be repeated every two or three weeks as determined by your veterinarian. Researchers believe that most puppies are infested by roundworms and hookworms from their mother, so many veterinarians administer worming medication to all puppies.

ROUNDWORM

This parasite an be transmitted from the mother to her pups before birth or during nursing. The thin, spaghetti-like parasite, about five inches long, can couse a potbellied appearace. The larvae migrate through a puppy's body and are sometimes seen in dog faces.
Stunted growth, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and sometimes pneumonia can result from roundworm infection, or no symtoms may be visible.

HOOKWORM

This is one of the most dangerous of all intestinal parasites. The hookworm can be transmitted from mothers to pups before birth and during nursing . This worm fasten itself onto the walls of the dog's small intestine. Hookworm infection may produce lethergy, anemia, poor appetite, and black tarry stools containing blood.

WHIPWORM

This parasite settles into the lower end of a dog's digestive tract, cousing chronic.