Basic
Puppy Care – First Weeks
After
you select the puppy of your dreams, you get to take him home without
a manual to tell you how to succeed at raising him. The first night
is always hard 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.
Puppies
are mischievous by nature, and like their feline companions, 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.
Scolding
your pup should be just like telling a child NO. However, when you
tell him NO, you should show him the correct behavior. For example,
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. The pup can become fearful, shy, or aggressive. Always
reward for proper behaviors. Treats make a great reinforcer. So
is a simple scratch between the ears and a hug.
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. The bond forming between you will last
a lifetime. |