With just a little planning, bringing your new baby home will open the door to years of fun, laughter and love together.
1. Find a breed that fits your lifestyle
Consider adopting from an animal shelter. Many different breeds are often available, through no fault of their own, offering unique traits to match your individual needs. The IAMS Breed Selector is a great tool, full of great puppy care tips.Check it out now.
2. Get the right food
Have his food ready before your dog comes home. Buy a premium food such as Iams' ProActive Health Puppy', IAMS' Lamb Meal & Rice Formula for Puppies, Canned IAMS' Puppy Formula or IAMS' Large Breed Puppy Formula.
3. Have supplies on hand
Make sure you have feeding bowls, a collar and leash, ID tag, comb, brush, nail clippers, a bed and toys.
4. Introduce the family slowly
This is one of the most important puppy care tips. Your new puppy should meet family members quietly, one at a time. For the first few days, keep the puppy confined to one room, and play with him gently. Don't let small children play with him unsupervised.
5. Introduce existing pets gradually
"A puppy should never be forced into another pet's world," says Dr. Nicholas Warendorf, DVM, owner of Old Derby Animal Clinic in Hingham, Massachusetts. "This will be a huge adjustment, so let it happen naturally."
6. Puppy-proof your home
This is one of those puppy care tips that requires special attention. Identify potential hazards by taking a pup's eye view of your home. Are there cords he might lick or chew? All potential hazards should be removed or locked away.
7. See a veterinarian regularly
Take your puppy to a veterinarian for an initial exam. This will reveal any existing health problems, and your pal will get his essential vaccinations. Follow your veterinarian's recommendation for additional visits.
8. Groom him regularly
Consistent grooming keeps your dog looking his best and also gets him used to being touched and restrain.
- Comb or brush long-haired breeds daily and short-haired breeds weekly.
- Bathe your dog on a regular basis.
- Clip his nails as needed, avoiding the sensitive area at the base of the nail. Ask your veterinarian if you're unsure how to do this.
- Make time for play. Playtime helps you bond with your dog and keeps him in tip-top physical condition. Let your puppy determine how long you'll play, and stop when he seems like he's tiring. Avoid "tug of war" games, which can cause aggression problems later. Make sure all toys are appropriate for his size, and teach your children the appropriate way to play with your puppy.
9. Exercise for good health
Exercising your new dog is beneficial to his health, and yours! A daily walk is a good start. Swimming, playing Frisbee' or fetch, hunting or running are also fun.
10. Enter your dog in competition
Conformation, obedience trials, tracking tests, hunting trials, herding trials and agility competitions can be fun for both of you. If your dog is a mixed breed, contact regional dog clubs for less formal shows.
11. Don't feed him human food
Our food is not properly balanced for a dog, whose nutritional needs are unique. Some human foods, like chocolate, can even be toxic to dogs in large doses.
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