Why Do You Want a Puppy?

Before getting a puppy, ask yourself a few questions. Why do you want a dog? Will you have the time, space, and money to care for and play with your pup? Which breed do you want? Know the answers before you start looking because once you look, you are going to bring home a puppy!

Where to Get Your Puppy

You have lots of options when choosing a puppy. Because there are so many homeless pets, it's great to adopt from a shelter or rescue group. If you decide to use a breeder, the ASPCA says to look for a small-scale breeder who never sells to dealers or pet shops. Visit the breeder's home and kennel and meet the mother or relatives of your dog.

Get Ready for Your Puppy

You'll need a few things before bringing home your new pup:

• Puppy food
• Leash and collar with tags that include your phone number and your vet's
• Water and food bowls
• Dog bed
• Grooming brushes
• Folding gate to keep your puppy in one area
• Chew toys

Puppy-Proof Your House

Like babies, puppies explore with their mouths. To keep her safe you'll need to do a few things before bringing your puppy home.

• Move breakables and electrical cords from doggy level.
• Close low windows.
• Lock away cleaning supplies, motor oil and antifreeze, and medications.
• Get a tall garbage can for trash.

Choose Puppy Food

Puppies need food specially designed for their smaller bodies. That's because a growing puppy needs more protein and calories than an adult dog. Puppy food is also easier on a puppy's smaller mouth and weaker jaw. Don't forget that puppies also need plenty of fresh, clean water.

How Much Food Does Puppy Need?

Dogs will eat a lot if the food is available. That's why your shouldn't feed your puppy buffet-style. Plus it's good to watch what your pup eats, so you can keep track of his health. How much food he needs depends on his breed. Use the suggestions on the pet food bag, but know that some pups need less, others more.

Use Dog Beds and Maybe Crates

Puppies may sleep from 14 to 20 hours a day, so keep your pup comfy while she naps. For bonding, many experts say your puppy should sleep in your bedroom at first, whether in her own bed or a crate. If you use a crate, use it only for sleeping, housebreaking, and travel. Dogs aren't meant to live in crates, so don't overuse it.

Inside or Outside?

Dogs are happiest when they're with their pack -- which might be you. If you keep your dog outdoors often, always make time for daily walks and play. Keep your dog safe with a fenced yard. Be sure it has a covered, dry, draft-free spot to keep him warm, and a shady spot to keep him cool. Make sure he has plenty of fresh water.

Bringing Your Puppy Home

Your puppy's first days in her new home are a big adjustment, so give her lots of loving attention. Play with her often. Bring her bed or crate into your bedroom at night, so she can be close to you. Soon after she settles in, schedule her first vet visit. Your vet will make sure she has no health problems and can answer and any questions you have.

Housebreak Your Puppy

There are two signs your pup needs to potty. He'll sniff the ground to find a good spot, and/or he'll race around wildly. When you see him act this way, pick your puppy up and place him on a newspaper or outside. After your puppy has peed in the right place, praise him. Puppies relieve themselves every few hours, so expect a few accidents.

Take Training Classes

Even if you can teach your puppy yourself, you might want to take your puppy to obedience classes. She'll get to be around other dogs and will have to listen while there's a lot going on. Plus, it will nudge you to do your homework and keep working with her. With a little time, kindness, and patience, you can teach your rough-and-tumble puppy better behavior.

Play With Your Puppy

Playing is fun! Spending time every day playing with your pup helps her in many ways. She gets rid of energy, works on coordination, and bonds with you. When you play, use toys. Don't use your puppy's leash, your hands, or anything else, or they'll get the wrong idea.

Take a Walk

Even if your puppy has a great yard, you'll need to take him for walks. Walks give dogs physical and mental exercise. It lets them interact with other dogs they meet along the way. Plus it lets them leave scent markings, which can be important for a male dog's ego. Try to get at least 60 minutes a day, broken into two to four walks.

Keep Kids and Puppies Safe

As much as kids and dogs love to play together, a puppy is still learning the ropes and may play roughly. There's also the chance that rowdy kids could play too hard with their pup. Watch puppies and kids at all times so that they both stay safe.

Care for Your Puppy's Coat and Claws

Brushing your pup's coat daily will help her get used to grooming. Talk to your vet about the right brush for your dog's breed. Keep her nails short, as too-long nails can stress a dog's wrist joints, as well as hurt people and furniture. Trim nail tips weekly starting when your pup is young so she'll be OK with clipping. Your vet can show you how.  

Watch the Table Scraps

You love sharing, but feeding your puppy from your plate is a bad idea. Begging is a hard habit to break! More important,  some foods can be toxic to pets, including grapes, raisins, alcohol, garlic, onions, avocados, salt, and chocolate. Call the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your vet right away if you think your pup has eaten something dangerous.

Chocolate and Dogs

Dogs have a hard time breaking down one of the key parts of chocolate. Though a little bit might not hurt, dogs tend to eat whatever food is around. So remove temptation and keep chocolatey things away from your puppy or dog. Call the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your vet right away if you think your puppy has eaten something risky.

Watch Plants and Your Puppy

Puppies like to chew on everything, including yard and house plants. Some plants -- including lily of the valley, oleander, azalea, yew, foxglove, rhododendron, rhubarb leaves, and shamrock -- are risky for dogs. If you think your puppy has eaten a poisonous plant, call your vet right away or the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

6-9 Weeks Old: Time for Vaccines

Vaccinations can help your puppy stay healthy. At 6-9 weeks it's time to get her vaccinated against distemper, parainfluenza, canine hepatitis, and parvovirus. At 12-16 weeks it's time to get her rabies shot. Other vaccine choices depend on your puppy's risks, so talk to your vet for advice.

Fight Fleas

It takes just one flea to start the flea cycle in your home. Signs your puppy may have fleas include flea "dirt" (tiny black flea droppings), mild redness, severe scratching, and skin infections. To fight fleas, ask your vet for flea control made just for puppies. Treat all pets in the house for fleas, not just the one that may have them.

Get Rid of Puppy's Parasites

Your puppy will probably need deworming medication at his first vet visit. This is a good idea for your his health. Some dog parasites, like roundworms, can also pass to people, causing disease and infection. Nearly all puppies have roundworms. Hookworms (magnified here), are potentially deadly to your pup if untreated.

16-20 Weeks Old: Spay or Neuter

More than 6 million dogs and cats find their way into shelters every year. That's why it's a great idea to spay or neuter your puppy. Spaying can be done as early as two months, but most vets wait between four and six months. If cost is a problem, call your local humane society or shelter. Or call (800) 248-SPAY to find a low-cost spay program near you.

How to Tell When Your Puppy Is Sick

Dogs often won't show it when they're feeling bad. They do their best to stay social when their people are around. You may notice some common signs of illness in puppies and dogs, such as not eating, eating less, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, or sleeping more. If you see any of these signs, call your vet.

How to Pick a Vet

Ask friends for recommendations. Once you have a few names, visit each clinic. Pick one that's well-managed and looks and smells clean. The vet should listen to you and answer all your questions. Is the staff friendly? Just as with your own doctor, be sure you feel comfortable with the vet you choose.

Enjoy the Journey!

Puppies don't stay little for long! It's a special time that you'll treasure long after your puppy grows up. So make every day count for you and your little one with plenty of love, appropriate discipline, and play!

Related Reading

• Quiz: Test Your Dog Breed Knowledge
• Microchipping Your Dog or Cat
• Spaying or Neutering Your Dog FAQ
• Slideshow: The Best Dog Breed for You
• How to Choose Your Pet's Name
• How to Feed a Puppy
• Which Dogs Are Smartest?
• Pet Health Community