Taking Care of Your Dog

Another member of the family
It is very important for you to think about when the best time to receive the little puppy in your house is. The most convenient thing to do would be to pick the dog up during the day, so that he can have time to recognize his new home and the environment that surrounds him.

Although it may sound absurd, dogs also have feelings, which is why it isn't advisable that the dog be made the center of attention during the first days that the dog is getting adapted.

If you are going to drive the new puppy to your house, there is a fat chance that the puppy will vomit during the journey (the best way to get the puppy used to these journeys is to make short and regular car rides). When the puppy finally arrives at his new home, show him where he is supposed to be and rest.

It is advisable to accommodate the area where the puppy is going to be with a bowl of water – which should always have abundant fresh water. It is also a good idea to put newspapers around the area so that the puppy can eliminate the body wastes during the night. You have to be faithful to clean everything up in the morning.

Remember that it inevitable that a young puppy will want to urinate during the night; therefore, you ought to take the necessary measures.

In general, after the puppy ahs been a few days in his new home, he will gain confidence and start to play, which is a sign that he is happy in his new home.

It is better to wait for the dog to get used to the temperature of his new place before you take him to the veterinarian, unless, that is, you notice some kind of symptom of a disease (lack of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.). These symptoms might also be a sign that the puppy misses his previous family.

If you notice any anomaly, it is convenient to measure the puppy's temperature, which in a dog is normally around 38 and 39 `C.

Don't pester or annoy the puppy during the period of adaptation to the new environment. Under no circumstances should you scare or shout at the puppy for something he hasn't done right, as this could result in the puppy not getting adapted to his new home and in his forming a shy character.

You should never hit the dog for something wrong that he has done, just speak to him firmly. Keep a balance in his education; scold him when he does something wrong and praise him when he does something well and obeys your orders.

Keep an eye on your new puppy because, like children, they are very playful, restless and curious. For this reason, it is very common that they end up biting electric wires, furniture, etc.

Puppies spend a good part of the day sleeping; therefore, when your puppy is awake, make sure that he consumes his energy. Play with him and make him enjoy the house.

Your dog will develop a character and personality according to the education and treatment he receives during his puppy months. If formed in an atmosphere of love and kindness, the dog will adapt better to you.