Puppy Basics 101: A New Owner’s Guide to Raising a Happy, Healthy Dog
- Dr. Zeke Zekoff
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
Congratulations on bringing a new puppy into your home! This is an exciting time, and you’re likely looking forward to many years of companionship. To help you get started on the right foot, here are some essential tips for raising a happy, healthy dog.
Training
Training is one of the most important aspects of puppy care. It's recommended to begin training as soon as you bring your puppy home, keeping in mind that puppies assimilate information best between 8-14 weeks of age.
Housebreaking: Establish a regular feeding and watering schedule, take your puppy outside frequently, use specific words to encourage them to go, and reward them for eliminating in the right spot.
Crate training: Can be a helpful tool for housetraining, as puppies naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas.
Chewing: Provide appropriate chew toys and discourage destructive chewing.
Other training tips:
Regularly handle your puppy's food while they are eating to prevent food aggression.
Have your puppy get used to your hands in their food bowl.
Establish yourself as the "alpha" in the household.
Acclimate your puppy to a collar and leash.
Enroll in dog obedience classes.
Nutrition
Choose high-quality puppy food and avoid generic or store-brand options.
Do not feed table scraps.
Maintain your dog’s healthy weight.
Health Needs
Vaccinations and physicals: Follow your veterinarian's recommendations for vaccinations and regular check-ups.
Spaying/neutering: Consider spaying or neutering your puppy at the recommended age.
Parasite prevention: Protect your dog from heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites.
Ear care: Keep your puppy's ears clean and dry to prevent infections.
Identification: Ensure your dog is properly identified with a license and/or microchip.
By following these guidelines, you can build a strong foundation for a long and happy life together.
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