(with Expert Advice from AKC expert Lisa Peterson)

New puppies need to eat more frequently than adult dogs, just as baby humans do. Since their digestive systems are still maturing, they also need to stay on a consistent diet. Feeding your puppy properly can help him settle in to his new home more easily.

Before you bring your new puppy home, make sure you know what he has been eating so that you can buy the same food. If you can’t find that food in your local stores, be sure to ask the breeder for a three to four day supply so that you can gradually mix it with the puppy food you are going to be using. This way, there is no abrupt change in diet.

If you do change the puppy’s food and he develops diarrhea, contact your veterinarian immediately to be sure it is really the change in food that has caused the diarrhea. (If his diarrhea is bloody, he could have a medical problem, such as coccidia.) If it is the change of diet, your veterinarian will probably recommend feeding him rice with broth or chicken baby food mixed with it until he returns to normal and then gradually reintroducing the puppy chow.

So, is that commercial puppy food ok for your dog? According to AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson, “The BARF diet is hard to administer because the owner is left to decide if the dogs are getting the proper ingredients. A good commercial food has all the necessary nutrients. Ask your veterinarian or breeder for a recommendation. If the dog’s coat is glossy and healthy, the food is good.”

Once you decide on the proper diet for your new puppy, you will need to decide how many times a day to serve his meals. Ms. Peterson says, “Puppies have smaller tummies and a higher metabolism. They need to eat three to four times a day until they are six months and then two times a day until they are one year.”

After your puppy is one year of age, you can switch to one meal a day. However, I know I’d have a hard time eating once a day, so you may want to feed your dog most of his meal in the morning and offer the remainder of the meal in the evening.

Ms. Peterson mentions another important feeding concern for owners of smaller dogs. “Toy dogs can suffer from hypoglycemia.” This means that small dogs should eat several small meals throughout the day to avoid low blood sugar problems.

Now that you know how to provide basic care for your new puppy, you are ready for the final lesson of the course, which includes some great quick tips about new puppy ownership from our experts.

Until then, don’t forget to give your puppy plenty of hugs and kisses,
Katelyn

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(with Expert Advice from Bernadine Cruz, DVM, AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson and Maralyn Redford, an obedience instructor and breeder of Champion Golden Retrievers )

Now that your puppy is healthy, it is time to consider puppy behavior and training. Although some people feel that puppies should not be trained at a young age, many breeders and other pet professionals say that puppies can learn some basics by the age of eight weeks.

In fact, according to AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson, “You can begin training your puppy the day you bring him home. Up to the age of four months, puppies pick up new behaviors at lightning speed. After four months of age, they learn more slowly.”

While you can train your puppy on your own, you may want to consider going to puppy classes once he has been vaccinated. These classes teach basic obedience, but Ms. Peterson says they also provide important socialization skills. You will need to decide if you want to teach your puppy using traditional methods or if you’d prefer clicker training and then look for a trainer who uses the method you choose. Frankly, my dogs and I love clicker training. It is a lot of fun and they learn quickly. However, traditional methods usually work just fine for basic obedience.

Maralyn Redford, an obedience instructor and breeder of Champion Golden Retrievers has some great training advice for new puppy owners. “The biggest mistake new puppy owners make is that they are inconsistent. Puppies learn best when you teach using consistent, positive training techniques. Plan a routine for meals, naps and playtime. Reward good behavior and distract him from the things you don’t want him to do or touch.”

Ms. Redford also talks about the first command you should teach your new puppy. “Teach him to come when called. It is probably the most important thing he will ever learn and it could save his life. Keep your voice happy and reward him every time he comes. If he doesn’t come immediately, go to him, show him the treat and run backward so he comes to you. Be effusive with your praise and affection.”

Once you master puppy classes, you don’t have to stop training your puppy. Dogs can learn new things throughout their lives, just as people can. In fact, many dogs really love to learn and they and their owners enter obedience and agility competitions.

In Lesson 6, you will learn about feeding your new puppy.
Until then, don’t forget to give your puppy plenty of hugs and kisses,
Katelyn

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(with Expert Advice from Bernadine Cruz, DVM and AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson)

While most people understand the importance of vaccinating a new puppy, not everyone realizes that preventative medications are also extremely important, especially in areas that have a high rate of Lyme or heartworm disease. These diseases can be fatal and dogs that survive do so after costly treatment, so it makes sense to use preventative medications.

According to Dr. Cruz, “A pup is often dewormed each time that it is vaccinated. Starting the pet on monthly heartworm medication is an excellent idea. The most commonly administered heartworm preventatives will protect against not only heartworm infection but the most common internal parasites.”

Another important preventative medication is a flea and tick treatment. There are several popular ones at the moment, including Advantix(TM) and Frontline(TM). Ask your veterinarian to recommend the right treatment for your dog. These medications can prevent you from having a home infested with fleas, but they can also prevent some types of worms and make it less likely for your dog to catch Lyme disease by killing fleas and ticks before they can do any damage.

According to American Kennel Club spokesperson Lisa Peterson, “Flea and tick preventatives are very important in the North Eastern United States and the Rocky Mountain region.”

If you aren’t convinced that preventative medications are important for your puppy, you may want to consider another concern that Dr Cruz mentions. “These internal parasites are a potential zoonotic threat. Children can be infected by hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms that they can contract from their dogs. People who are immune suppressed are also at risk.”

In Lesson 5, you will learn about obedience training for puppies.

Until then, don’t forget to give your puppy plenty of hugs and kisses,
Katelyn

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