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So let's get started!
DIET
Premium puppy food, look for food for small dog breeds. Buy from a pet store and avoid a generic brand. Meat should be first ingredient plus all the vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrates that your puppy will need to start his life out healthy. Ask your breeder or veterinarian what they recommend.
STAINLESS STEEL BOWLS
Bowls for food and water that won't tip over easily. Plastic bowls may get scratched and they sometimes
harbor bacteria.
BRUSH AND COMB
The type depends on the breed of your dog.
Choose toys according to size of your puppy and for safety. You don't want small toy that can be swallowed and will cause him to choke. Good rawhide chews, hard rubber balls, small and safe soft stuffed toys.
CRATES
They come in plastic or wire and buy the smallest size for your puppy breed. Place a towel or blanket
with some toys inside to make it feel like his den-his safe place. Crates are an effective housebreaking
tool since a puppy doesn't like to soil his sleeping place. They, also, are good to use for traveling.
LEASHES AND COLLARS
Choose a leash and collar that fits your dogs size, his need and the function you are using it for.
Collar and leash should be lightweight and comfortable for your puppy. Harness type is safer and their
are quick-release collars. The leash should be about 6 foot long. For more information on types and choosing the right ones check out leash and collar page.
SHAMPOO
Watch skin and hair for dryness and change brand if necessary. Most small dog breeds shouldn't
be bathes to frequently because of dry skin.
GATE
This will help keep puppy in certain areas especially on tile floor till housebroken.
TREATS
Good way to reward the little guy or gal for training and obedience.
TOOTHBRUSH AND TOOTHPASTE
They do need their teeth brushed and some small breed dogs especially because they are prone to
losing their teeth early.
STAIN REMOVER
Just in case of an accident-which there will be.
VETERINARIAN
Have a vet picked out if you don't have one already. It's a good idea to have an appointment with him to have your puppy checked out when you get him. Ask him about vaccinations your puppy needs.
DOG NAMES
Once you observe your puppies' personality you can start thinking about a name. Choose a short two syllable one because it will be easier when you start training him to say a short name with the
command.
SAFETY
Make your house safe for your puppy before you pick him up. Put household chemicals, poisonous plants and small objects out of sight. Remember to remove valuable or sentimental items out of reach until he is out of the chewing stage. Get electrial cords and wiring out of reach or in flexible plastic tubing.
Have a place for him to exercise, either an exercise pen or yard. Puppy proof your yard by being sure the fence and gate are sturdy. Check for gaps in the hedges and under the hedges or fence.
THINGS TO KNOW
Your puppy should be at least 8 weeks old, some older depending on the breed, when you bring him home. For example, a Maltese puppy should be 12 weeks old before you bring him home.
If you bring him home to soon he will have separation anxiety - he is use to having his parents and litter mates around him. Some breeds aren't ready to be weaned from their mother yet or moving around enough yet to leave the kennel.
THE BIG DAY
When you do pick him up take him right home and maintain a quiet and peaceful environment for him. Let him explore and roam around. Watch him and if you have children don't let them play or hug him yet. Let your puppy start to feel at home.
Show him where his food and water is, take him outside to show him where to got potty, show him his crate - his safe place to sleep and get away. Eventually he will learn his schedule, where he eats, sleeps, goes out and his walk or exercise time.
The first night may be hard on you and your puppy. He will miss his family and feel uncomfortable in his new surroundings. Put him in his crate to sleep. A puppy will usually settle down quickly but if not place his crate by your bed. He then knows you are near and if he cries you can touch the crate to quiet him. If he refuses to settle down place him in another room with some food and water.
Also, when you pick him up from the breeder's see if you can have a toy or something that has his mother's or litter mates smell on it, put it in his crate which will soothe him. You can try puting a night light in the room with him too. Just remember never hit your puppy for crying. One last thing, just remember if you start by letting him sleep in your bed it will quickly become a habit.
The first few weeks can be frustrating to your puppy learning about his new home and owners, just be patient.
One of the most important things you need to do is start teaching them manners, appropriate games, housebreaking and what they can chew on. Start training him immediately in five minute sessions.
Puppy obedience training is very important and it's a good idea to enroll him in a class between eight and sixteen weeks to promote good socialization with other dogs and people.
Housebreaking
Of course this is something you need to start right away. A puppy needs to relieve himself six or more times a day. After feeding, napping and playing take him outside. Watch him for signs that he needs to go outside. Use your gate to keep him on tile floor in case of an accident. Just place him in an area that has traffic so he's not alone
At eight weeks your puppy is still an infant and it will be several months before his internal organs are developed enough for reliability. Toy breeds aren't reliable until 8 months.
Have your puppy eat on a schedule to avoid accidents making housebreaking more difficult. By feeding him on a schedule you can take him outside and he will learn what he's suppose to do.
Of course, use praise when he does go to the bathroom. Lastly, don't forget you must have patience.
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