Caring for a Puppy
New puppies are adorable and require a significant amount of care. Puppies are an investment of time and attention. Purchasing proper food, housing, and toys are key to your puppy growing into a healthy well-behaved dog.
General Care
A young puppy needs special care, much as a new baby would. It is highly recommended
that you find a trainer in your area for basic obedience and socialization. Acclimate your puppy to your normal daily routine. Treat your puppy with patience and constant supervision with a gentle touch. Also, take your new puppy to a veterinarian for a checkup, immunizations, and spaying/neutering.
Housing
A crate is a combined sleeping area and preventer of bad habits (such as night time chewing of items). It’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make for your puppy. Select a crate that is large enough to house the puppy when fully grown, insert the included divider to make the crate smaller. Give your puppy enough space to stand up and turn around in the crate, this also helps with housebreaking. By reducing the area of the puppy’s crate, they can’t soil one end and sleep in the other. Remember that your puppy has a small bladder and can only ‘hold it’ so long, so frequent trips outside are key. To make the crate a friendly place, treats can be placed within it. Puppies should only be left in the crates for short periods at first; your puppy needs a place where he/she can feel safe and secure, and the crate should not feel like ‘puppy jail.’ Keep the crate in a warm and clean area, and make sure there is a blanket or soft bedding inside the crate. Your puppy will use the crate over time on his/her own as a safe place to go for a nap or quiet time.
Housebreaking
Always be alert for circling and sniffing that can be a sign your puppy has to go to the bathroom; take him/her outside immediately. Set a potty schedule with your puppy, if possible, whenever he/she goes both pee and poop outside, praise them. Remember that your puppy will have accidents so do not get upset or frustrated, take the puppy to their designated potty area. Keep in mind that accidents happen, use a good stain and odor remover to clean. If you use Kahoots stain and odor, it is specially formulated to discourage puppies and dogs from using that spot again. High value treats are a good incentive for potty behaviors (whether going outside or on potty pad), rewards and praise should be immediate. Crate training works wonders for housebreaking. The key to this is the crate should not be used as a punishment; it should be your puppy’s safe place.
Enrichment
Toys, lick mats, and chews are very important as energy outlets and for mentally stimulating your puppy, they are helpful while training your puppy not to chew on you or your things. Having a wide variety of toys for your puppy that you can switch out will keep your puppy interested. Be certain that each toy is larger than your dog’s snout, smaller toys may be a choking hazard.
Diet
Your puppy requires a diet specific to his age and growth. Choose a puppy food that is appropriate to size and age. Carefully pay attention to the ingredients while choosing a good, quality dog food. Treats are important for training, so make sure you get quality treats as well. If your puppy is on a special diet, then the treats should be matched to the diet. Single ingredient meat-based treats can be a healthy choice for training.
Cleaning & Health
Keep the puppy’s crate, bedding, and play areas clean, and watch your puppy for signs of illness such as lack of energy, loss of appetite, etc. Keep the puppy away from areas where non-resident pets are (public parks, etc.), until the puppy has finished all his immunization requirements. Often this is not until 4 or 5 months of age. Regular brushing and grooming are essential for puppies and dogs, but your veterinarian may recommend that you do not bathe your puppy until it is at least 12 weeks. Ask your vet for recommendations as soon as possible. Be sure to keep dangers like cleaning supplies, medications, unsafe foods, plants, electrical cords, breakable objects, and out-of-the-house escape routes out of your puppy’s reach.
Warnings
Companion animals are potential carriers of infectious diseases that can be passed to humans. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent the potential spread of diseases:
- Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet and/or their toys, food, or treats
- Carry hand sanitizer when venturing outside of your home with pet
- Do not kiss or let your mouth come into contact with your pet
- Keep your companion’s environment, water & food bowls, bedding and other surfaces as clean as possible and remove droppings daily
Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should speak with their physician when considering a new pet. For more information regarding pets and disease, go to the Center for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets/ The information provided on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. It is strongly advised to seek further information on the care of your animal. In the event of a serious health concern, please consult your veterinarian.
Recommended Supplies at Your Local Kahoots
- Collar and Leash
- ID tag
- Crate
- Bedding
- Water and Food dishes
- Dish Mat (reduces mess)
- Kahoots Stain and Odor Remover
- Pooper scooper
- High value Kahoots training/ crate treats
- Kahoots Dog food for All-Life-Stages
- Treats
- Chews
- Tug and plush toys
- Lick mat
- Brush
- Nail clippers & blood stopper