Puppy Party Graduates

See our puppy advice page

Welcome to your new puppy

Some new puppy top tips:

Choose a short name as it is easier for your pet to recognise and respond to.

The first night in its new home is usually the most stressful night for any breed.

Make it as comforting as possible with a ticking clock wrapped in its blanket or leave the radio on to soothe it to sleep.

Choose washable bedding.

Confine your puppy to a section of the house so that you have control over its toilet training.

Make sure kitchen rubbish is out of reach as are any other visible dangers such as large houseplants or pots.

Some clients prefer to bring their new pup in a pet carrier to the vet. We advise this as they feel safer in the car when they are very young and they are not exposed to any sick animals in the waiting room.

Choose enough toys so that your furniture remains untouched by tiny teeth. Be careful not to give them toys that look like the items you want them to avoid chewing such as a shoe.

Balls and knotted ropes are good but avoid games that encourage your puppy to fight with you and that makes it growl.

If your puppy continuously tries to chew your hands, discourage it by squeaking to give it a fright and distract it. Make a fist to hide your fingers and hide your hands if it perseveres. If encouraged you may end up with a biting dog.

Your pup can be fitted with a collar from when he is very little. It should fit snugly but allow for 1 – 2 fingers width of space between collar and neck. Loosen the collar as he grows and he will grow VERY quickly.

Choose a good quality food that you want to keep him on.

Dry puppy foods tend to be better for their teeth – especially in the smaller breeds that live longer and can suffer with dental disease if they only eat a soft food diet.

Puppies have a tiny stomach so divide their feeds up into 4 meals initially. Always provide fresh water. Large breed puppies should be fed a puppy food specially designed for large breed dogs.

They can grow too quickly on a normal high protein puppy food and suffer with joint disease. The large breed puppy foods balance the ratio of protein and carbohydrate so that your pet does not grow too fast.

Start training your puppy at an early age to build up a good relationship with your new companion. Our puppy classes are an excellent ways of socialising your puppy especially if it appears nervous.

Your second puppy vaccination with us will be at 12 weeks and just 1 week later you are able to take your puppy out and show him off in public places. This is vital for the future of your puppy to be socialised from when he is young.

We will worm them too with their first vaccination as most puppies will have worms from their mothers. Any sign of fleas will need treatment too by us.

Start basic discipline which involves being consistent with what you say and do. Be patient as dogs have short memories.

Correct your puppy when his behaviour is inappropriate but lavish him with praise as a positive reinforcement when it is right. Never resort to physical punishment.

Once vaccinated, you can start to socialise your pup but do not overdo the exercise. Your puppy will probably love being out and want to go for a lot further than it should.

Over-exercising at a young age could adversely affect his growth especially in the larger breed dogs. Wait till they are 18 months and then they can be exercised to their limit.

Most of all, enjoy your time with your new pet. You will forget the time when you didn’t have such a devoted, non-judgemental, faithful, happy companion in your life.