If you have just brought home a new puppy for you and your family to love, then it's extremely important for you to do all you can to keep it healthy, happy, and well behaved. If this is your first puppy or even if it's been a long time since your last dog, then you may need some information on taking care of them. This article will serve as a checklist you can use to make sure you have everything covered.

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies:

• Non-spill water and food bowls in the right size
• Plenty of chew toys for them to teeth on
• A puppy food that's grain free
• Puppy pads for house training
• A kennel
• A harness
• A leash

Make the necessary preparations

You want to make sure you have a plan on what to do with the new puppy when everyone is at work and school. Maybe someone can take it to work with them, someone can watch it for you, or a neighbor can come over every hour or two to take it out of the kennel to go outside to go to the bathroom. If you do kennel it, you should attach a water bottle so it has water at all times.

Make sure to do what you can to keep the puppy healthy

You want to get the new puppy into see the vet at a clinic like All Creatures Animal Hospital as soon as you can so they can be given a full exam, a worming medication as a precaution, and their first set of shots. Your vet will let you know when you should return with the pup to finish up their series of shots so they will be protected from many K9 illnesses. You also want to consider having your puppy fixed as soon as they are old enough according to your vet's advice. Fixing them will prevent them from having babies and also offer other benefits like decreasing the chances of them getting out and running off, fighting, and marking their territory all over your house.

Train your puppy

It's never too soon to start training your new puppy. You should get them used to their harness and leash by letting them have it on for a few moments throughout the day. Choose a quiet location free of distractions to train your puppy at first. Train them in 15 or 20 minute intervals at first, using treats as rewards, and only work on a couple tricks at a time.

Conclusion

Following the advice you have read here is going to help you to provide your puppy with a life where they will have a better chance of being healthy and happy.