Puppy Care . . . Just The Basics- First Weeks

Once you have selected the puppy of your desires, it is then that you get to take him home without a manual to tell you how to succeed at training and raising him.  It is normal for the first night to be a bit difficult because the puppy will start to miss his Mom and other siblings.  He may cry or whine through out the night.  One can hardly blame him for his actions. 


 The pup will need a soft, dry, and safe place to sleep. . . 


Perhaps throw in a cloth or toy that has his litter mates or Mom's scent on it.  If you run to him when he cries, you will be reinforcing the habit.  Placing a sheet over the box or crate will get the pup used to going to sleep at that time.  


Let it be know that puppies are mischievous by nature . . . 


And not unlike their feline companions, they tend to get into everything.  Be sure hazardous items like marbles, wires, rocks, and any type of harmful plants are far out of the puppy's way.   




You should scold your pup just as you would scold a child NO.  However, when you tell him NO, you should show him the correct behavior.  A prime example would be if he is chewing up the newspaper, take it away and replace it wit one of his toys.  Praise him for chewing his toy.
  
*  Reprimands should be sharp and short; 


**  Hitting or spanking may create more problems down the 
        road.  Can result in the pup becoming fearful, shy, or 
        aggressive;  


***  Always reward for proper behaviors, this is when you 
       can utilize treats as reinforcement for good behavior, not
      to mention a simple scratch between the ears and a hug;


It is recommended that you feed him a dry food especially made for puppies.  Watch out for very high protein and extra vitamins as they may be harmful to your growing puppy.  Feed him two or three times a day.  Usually after fifteen minutes, the pup will have eaten all they want, so you can remove the dish.  As thy grow, after ten to twelve weeks of age, feed them one in the morning and once at night.  All of these should help your new pup get through those first horrible weeks away from his family.