Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Hi.
I'm Dr. Katy Nelson for Iams with Howdini.
Today we're going to talk about how to take
care of your puppy.
First and foremost, you want to understand and meet your
puppy's needs.
Here they are in order of importance.
Number one, basic health--
water, nutrition specifically formulated for
puppies, and sleep.
Also, immunizations and regular check-ups are
recommended.
Number two, safety.
As with small children, you need to keep your puppy in an
environment that is safe for him.
Puppies explore with their mouths and they learn about
different textures by gnawing.
Also, chewing helps massage their gums. For your puppy's
safety, keep things that he or she should not be chewing on
out of reach.
Number three, psychological.
Your puppy's greatest psychological need is to be
part of a group and be socialized with other dogs.
However, to do this successfully you need to be a
guardian he can depend on.
Once your puppy's basic needs are met, you want to
understand the way he sees the world so that you can build a
strong relationship.
Your puppy does not understand the world to live in, so you
cannot expect him to.
Two things you need to understand is that to them
everything is edible, and they will
lunge at anything exciting.
You, kids, guests, and other animals until you
train them not to.
Praise him exuberantly to encourage the right behavior.
Give him treats, pet him, play with them, and be stern to
discourage the wrong behavior.
Ignore him, stop petting, or stop playing.
Most importantly, be patient and consistent.
Don't be harsh.
Puppies have lots of energy and it's healthy
for them to use it.
Periodically helping your puppy release energy will
minimize his urge to dig and chew on things.
Spend time out in the yard making him run in short
bursts, go on walks or play fetch.
Puppies are used to playing with their
brothers and sisters.
When they're separated they're looking
for their next playmate.
Playing with your puppy will also make him more focused on
you, improving your bond and making training easier.
It teaches him new behaviors, self-control, and will help
him gain self-confidence.
Like play, socialization is also fundamental to raising
your puppy.
This is why socializing your puppy as soon as you bring him
home is important for both of you.
Socialization teaches your puppy to be calm in
stimulating circumstances, and to obey when instructed.
It also gets him used to being touched, handled and even used
to having hands and inedible things in and near his mouth
so that he behaves around other people, kids, and his
veterinarian.
Also, know the puppy's are sensitive.
They can read facial expressions and emotions.
Be consistent about what things your puppy does that
make you express happiness.
Also, be careful not to give your puppy reason to think
he's at blame for negative emotions you have from other
areas of your life, like when you've had a bad day at work.
Emotions are contagious.
The happiest puppies tend to be in the most positive and
loving households.
I'm Dr. Katy Nelson for Iams with Howdini.
I hope that you found this helpful as you welcome your
new addition to your family.
For more information on puppy care and training, visit
iams.com/puppy.