How to look after a puppy
Buying a puppy and bringing them home is exciting and a bit daunting, but should be lots of fun for you both!Our guide to puppy care will help you give your puppy the best start in life and avoid any potential problems later on.
Feeding
Premium-quality dry food provides a well-balanced diet for adult dogs and may be mixed with water, broth or canned food. Your dog may enjoy cottage cheese, cooked egg or fruits and vegetables, but these additions should not total more than ten percent of his daily food intake.
Licensing and Identification
Follow your community's licensing regulations. Be sure to attach the license to your dog's collar. This, along with an ID tag and implanted microchip or tattoo, can help secure your dog's return should she become lost.
Exercise
Dogs need exercise to burn calories, stimulate their minds, and stay healthy. Individual exercise needs vary based on breed or breed mix, sex, age and level of health. Exercise also tends to help dogs avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Supervised fun and games will satisfy many of your pet's instinctual urges to dig, herd, chew, retrieve and chase.
Play time
Puppy playtime teaches important things like bite inhibition and communication skills with other dogs, so they can develop good manners and social skills in order to live happy lives. When dogs miss that window of development through puppy play, that can lead to negative behaviors around other dogs.