If you are going to have a puppy...

A well cared for puppy is likely to grow up to be a healthy, well-adjusted dog that’s a pleasure to be around. So even before you take a puppy in, every moment leading up to it is just as important! Take the time to read up on the characteristics of the breed you are getting or even if it is a mixed breed, general information on how to properly take care of one.

A puppy should be properly fed and have clean water everyday. You will most likely feed the puppy three times a day when it is young and then gradually taper off to twice a day as the puppy ages. You should feed a puppy food specifically made for a growing dogs. Puppy food is smaller and easier for a young puppy to chew and digest.

Puppies are like little babies. They will get into and touch/swallow all sorts of things if you are not careful. Just like babies they are capable of swallowing objects that can get caught in their intestinal tract and cause the puppy pain and may even result in an operation. Making sure that small objects are put away and that your puppy cannot get to them, puppies have better mobility then babies and most likely tends to fall off of our radar easier then a actual infant. Putting locks on cabinet doors and close closets where dangerous chemicals are kept. Puppy proof your house the same way you would child proof a house!

Just as a baby cannot be toilet trained, it's unreasonable to expect a puppy can be trained at such a early stage. It's the owner's duty to keep the puppy under watchful eyes when at home and crated when the owner is not home to avoid accidents and for the safe of the animal as well. Puppies thrive on routine, so take him or her out after meals and your puppy will get used to using the outdoors as a toilet. Once your puppy goes outside, praise the puppy and give a doggie treat. This will encourage repetitive behavior. Routine is key.

Puppies love to chew and are always teething just like most pet animals one can think of. They need to chew and will chew on anything in sight. Do not allow them to chew on shoes, even if they are old shoes as a puppy won't differentiate a old one to a new one even when it grows up. Give the puppy a chew toy that is safe for young puppies and when you find him or her chewing on something, offer the toy. This will let the puppy know that the toy is for chewing.