Puppy Care

IS THIS THE BREED FOR ME?
Bringing home a puppy can be a fun, exciting, and overwhelming experience, for both you and your puppy. Preparing for the homecoming in advance, plus understanding what your puppy really needs will go a long way towards helping your new puppy to become a happy, well-behaved member of your family. Can you honestly answer these questions and still be certain you are ready for a new puppy. I ask these questions so a family searching for a new baby, is certain they have the time, money and commitment for a new pup.
1. I have researched the breed and am certain this is the breed for me.

2. I have an appropriate location and space for the breed I am considering.

3. I will spay or neuter my puppy.

4. I have the time, patience and energy necessary to commit to training this puppy.

5. I have researched and can commit to providing proper care, veterinary attention, and nutrition for this puppy.

6. A mature person will provide responsible and primary care for this puppy.

7. I know and understand that getting this new puppy is a 15 to 18 year commiment and am fully dedicated to taking care of it.

8. I have ascertained my other pets will accept this new pup with no problems.

9. I also know that if for any reason I can not keep the pup/dog in the future, I can return it to Happy Lil Pawz. I will never place it in a pound, shelter or rescue.

Puppy Care
Before You Bring Puppy Home Make certain your house has been puppy-proofed. Pick up anything small enough to be swallowed, and remove anything you would prefer the puppy not chew. Puppies chew, It is a natural and necessary part of puppyhood.
Prevention is the best way to protect both your puppy and your possessions.Decide where to put the puppys crate or playpen, food and water dishes, and toys. You’ll want to focus on your new puppy once you bring it home, not on where you want things to go. Have a supply of good quality puppy food on hand, as well as the name and phone number of your local vet. If possible, have an appointment already made for a new puppy checkup. Recommended Supplies & Kennel or crate & Food, water bowls & Healthy Training treats & Premium puppy food & Toys & Pet gate(s) & Chew toys & Books on dog breeds, training, puppy raising Training and Socializing Start out right with your new puppy. While behaviors like jumping up on you and chewing on your shoelaces may be cute in a tiny pup, they quickly become tiresome or even dangerous in the adult dog. Begin as you plan to end, and only encourage behaviors that would be acceptable in an adult dog. Keep training sessions short and upbeat. Puppies have very short attention spans, and, like children, respond better to praise than punishment. Keep small, healthy easily eaten treats on hand as rewards for desired behaviors. Positive reinforcement also increases self-esteem and self confidence in the adult dog. Decide how you will house train your puppy before you bring him home. Will you teach it to go outside, or use a litter box? A regular schedule of feeding, potty breaks, and bedtimes will help ease the puppy through the transition into your home, and make house training much easier. Puppies sleep a lot and they need their sleep to be healthy. Do not allow people to disrupt a puppy while it sleeps. Once your puppy has settled in, begin introducing him to basic grooming, and having every part of his body touched and handled. This will make future grooming and vet visits much more pleasant. Introduce your puppy to new surroundings, new footings and new people in a variety of settings. Once his vaccinations are up to date, puppy training classes are wonderful ways to socialize him with both new people and new dogs. Socialization now will help avert aggression and fear responses later.

Bathing your Puppy- Make sure not to get water in the ears.

Toenails- Check your puppies toenails every couple weeks to see if they need to be clipped.