New Puppy Owner? A Must Read! (Part One of Two)

Many new puppy owners find themselves with different puppy related questions. Things ranging from routine health care needs, proper ways of training, healthy diet requirements, housebreaking, routine behavior problems, and more. 

In this two-part series, we will go over some of the more common questions asked by new puppy owners. This guide will help you and your puppy throughout your journey. It should be noted that a top resource for puppy-related questions is by utilizing the knowledge of puppy care specialists from the puppy adoption store you bought your puppy from. These pup experts can be extremely helpful for new puppy owners. 

Required Shots 

Let us begin with what shots your puppy will need and when. First, if you purchased your pup from a reputable puppy adoption store, the store will have all records of your pup’s health-related items. They tend to take your pup’s health seriously and some, even offer extended health guarantees on their puppies.

Beginning around the eight-week mark, your puppy needs three sets of DHLPP puppy shots. Each set is administered by your veterinarian in three-week intervals. These shots are essential and protect your fur-legged friend from: 

• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Leptospirosis
• Parainfluenza
• Parvovirus

At sixteen weeks of age, your puppy will be given his Rabies shot. Annually he will receive his booster shots, which will help to maintain immunity. 

Relax – Puppies Do Get Worms 

Most puppies will develop worms. This is a very common and treatable condition. Many of the worms can be found in your dog’s feces. Should you find this, it is always best to contact your veterinarian. He or she will be able to prescribe or administer a quality de-wormer. Although you may find over-the-counter de-worming products, it is always best to rely on your veterinarian for professional treatment. This is a simple condition that can be easily treated; however, it can turn into something more serious if not properly taken care of. 

Basic Puppy Training

All puppies need training. Remember, they are babies and learning the rules of your home. Basic puppy training should begin when your puppy is about eight weeks old and the level of training should progress as he matures. Using positive reinforcement-based training is the best way to train your fur-ever friend. This method, paired up with reward-based training, is proven to yield great results. Your pup wants to make you happy and is happy when you are. Accidents and mishaps will take place as he learns. Always be consistent, patient, and loving while teaching your pup. The effort you put into this now will pay off in the long run. 

Puppy Food

Next, we will go over the best types of puppy food. There are so many to choose from! It is important to remember that the quality of your pup’s food is crucial in his mental and physical development. A quality dog food is also a great way to enhance his quality of life and extend it! 

When deciding on his food, a good rule to live by is to select puppy food that indicates the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) approve it. This will help to ensure your pup’s nutritional requirements are being met. The top ingredients in the food should also be of high protein. Lamb and chicken are excellent initial ingredients.