Diet Exercise Most veterinarians agree that young Some breeds require more exercise than Caring for puppies should be fed three times a day others. However, young puppies get tired until they are about six months old, and easily and should not have strenuous Your then twice a day until they are fully- exercise. Start off with short walks and grown. Adult dogs need to be fed only play periods. If your puppy gets tired, stop the activity. As your puppy matures, Puppy once a day. Feed a high quality food. Your pet store can recommend the proper walks and play periods can be extended. food to use for the various stages of your pet’s life. Feed puppies what they can When playing in the yard with your consume in five to ten minutes. Remove puppy, you need to keep them safe. In uneaten food and clean the dish after each addition to a collar and flea protection, the meal. Try to feed your puppy at the same yard should have the proper fencing or tie time each day so he adjusts to a schedule. out so your puppy doesn’t run away. If

Your pet will usually want to relieve itself the puppy is permitted to stay outside after eating. By taking your puppy outside during temperate days, a doghouse should after mealtime, you are accomplishing an be provided as shelter against the heat or important step in housebreaking. rain. Make certain clean drinking water is available at all times.

Avoid feeding your dog table scraps, particularly chicken or turkey bones and This information is designed as a basic chop bones. Between meals, treats can be guide. There are several books and fed sparingly and used as rewards for online resources available which provide relieving itself outside, reinforcing in-depth information on puppies and their housetraining. Be careful not to provide care. too many treats, because this can become a health problem. Enjoy Your New Pet!

Do right by your pet. Water is an absolute necessity and must Do right by our environment. be available at all times. Keep the water Don't release unwanted pets. bowl in the feeding area, as the puppy Visit Habitattitude™ on www.pijac.org will usually drink after eating. The bowl should be washed and refilled often because food particles tend to fall into the water.

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council www.pijac.org www.pijac.org Care of Your Puppy Grooming Housebreaking There are over 150 breeds of dogs Most puppies enjoy a bath and brushing. There are three keys to success when registered with the American Kennel Club Purchase the shampoo and brush your pet housetraining your puppy: in addition to breeds registered with other store or veterinarian recommends for the  take your puppy outside dog registration agencies; and millions of breed of the pup you have chosen. The  immediately after naps and meals;  mixed breed puppies that are not bath water should be warm. Check  lavish praise when your puppy is registered. Fortunately, care of a puppy temperature of water with your elbow. If  successful; and  regardless of the breed is essentially the comfortable for you, it will be  patience.  same. comfortable for your puppy. Rinse and re-rinse your pet before drying with a Using a crate with bedding will encourage What Do I Need? large towel and a hand held hair dryer. your puppy to wait until he gets to an Brushing when almost dry helps fluff up Prior to bringing your new puppy home, approved area to relieve himself. the hair coat. purchase the following items to care for your new pet: Your puppy’s muscles grow as they grow,  Dishes for food and water  and frequent urination is natural—which is  a bed  why you need to take your puppy to an Legal Requirements  a collar  approved area immediately following naps Check with your local government and meals.  a leash  concerning the legal obligations you will  an identification tag  need to meet regarding your new puppy, Your puppy only wants to please you, so   crate with bedding  including:  teething toys   Dog licensing  praising your pet when he is successful ingrains good behavior. If the puppy makes  Proof of rabies vaccination  a “mistake” in the house, do not resort to  Microchipping  Fleas and Ticks hitting. Puppies have short memory spans, There are many flea and tick products  Mandatory spay/neuter laws  so they will not understand what the available that will prevent infestation and  Waste removal and leash laws  punishment is for. If you see your puppy will kill these parasites. Follow the relieving himself in the house, take him recommendations of your pet store or outside immediately. If he is caught making Visiting the Vet your veterinarian. As soon as possible, take your puppy to a a mess, a firm “no” while clapping your veterinarian. In addition to a general hands loudly should be his only health check-up, your puppy will need punishment. Bringing Your Puppy Home Place the bed in a quiet area that is draft vaccinations and a worming analysis. free, out of the way of foot traffic and not Setting a feeding and walking schedule will subject to temperature extremes. Your Spaying or neutering your puppy prevents help your puppy adjust, and make puppy will require a lot of sleep and naps. If overpopulation in an already overcrowded housebreaking successful. If your puppy you have children, limit playtime with the world. If you do not wish to breed your pet, does relieve himself in the house, it should puppy, as it will get tired quickly. spaying or neutering is a good idea. Check be cleaned and deodorized as soon as with your local dog-licensing bureau possible to prevent reoccurrence. And because it may be required in your area. remember, patience, patience, patience!