Tips for New Puppy Owners
Ensure your new puppy grows into a well-adjusted, confident adult dog by following these essential tips that cover socialization, exercise, training, and more.








Socialize, socialize, socialize! After the puppy has been completely vaccinated, bring him to different environments - pet stores, Home Depot, walking trails, etc. If the puppy has not had all the vaccines, allow him to interact with people and friendly, healthy dogs that are not typically with other dogs.
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After shots are received, allow him to interact with other friendly dogs and puppies, as well as different people- young, old, different cultures. (Be cautious that not all dogs like active puppies.) Allowing interactions will prevent anxiety and unfriendly behavior in different situations as the puppy matures.
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Exercise daily and practice basic obedience training. Allow the puppy to explore. A tired dog is a good dog!
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Provide chew toys for teething and entertainment. Remove the toy if the puppy is biting pieces out of it.
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Expose the puppy to different sounds. When loud sounds are heard, or during a thunderstorm, play with the dog instead of coddling him. Doing so will help prevent him from being frightened later in life.
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Handle body including tail, feet, cut nails regularly (many dogs don’t like their feet touched or nails clipped as they become adults) ears- touch gently inside ear, open mouth and touch teeth and tongue.
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Put your hand in the dog bowl and remove some food with your hand; take toys from the puppy. This can help prevent resource guarding as the puppy matures.

A tired dog is a good dog....
exercise, exercise, exercise!!!
Exercise his mind, exercise his body!