HOUSE TRAINING

Paper Training: Confine your dog to a small space and cover the entire floor with paper. Wait for your dog to eliminate, then replace the soiled paper. Once your dog seems to understand the paper's use, gradually leave an increasingly larger bare area without paper, confining the task to a specific area of your choosing. You may then move the paper outdoors to complete the process. Eventually, no paper will be needed.

Crate Training: Keep your dog in a age/size-appropriate dog crate. Don't jump ahead with a big-dog crate because the idea is to keep it small enough that if he eliminated inside the crate, he'd be in uncomfortably close proximity to it. Don't leave your dog in the crate long enough to eliminate in the crate, otherwise, he may become accustomed to doing so, undermining this as a training technique.) Supervise your puppy and take him outdoors often, giving him lots of praise for relieving himself. Soon, he will no longer be in need of supervision and will use his crate as a place of his own to hang out.

FEEDING

Most small puppies thrive when fed three times daily. Cut back to two meals per day when four to six months old. Most adult dogs are fine being fed only once a day. Especially active dogs, such as working dogs, may require diet plans tailored to their specific needs.

To discourage finicky eating habits, feed at regular times in regular amounts. Don't leave food out longer than ten to twenty minutes.

Provide fresh, clean water available at all times.

BATHING & GROOMING

For daily care, bathe your dog when it is dirty or smelly. Preparing for a show is the exception. Bathing too frequently may strip away natural oils, leaving your dog's coat and skin too dry.

Brush your dog at least once a week. Brushing stimulates natural coat oils, prevents tangles, and is a perfect time to check for unwanted passengers such as ticks and fleas.

Grooming should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. Start a routine of grooming early on. Eventually, this quality time spent together will be something he will look forward to.

BRUSHING YOUR DOG'S TEETH

Although dog biscuits and bones may have some benefit, they do not prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. This is why it's important to brush your dog's teeth regularly. Teeth should be brushed at least once or twice a week. Make this part of your grooming routine early in your puppy's life, to make your life easier.

ROUTINE HEALTH CARE

Establishing an early routine of "preventative" health care will improve the quality of life for your dog, as well as prolong it.

Choosing a Veterinarian: One of the most important long-term choices of any new dog owner. If unfamiliar with the veterinarians in your area, ask around. Bear in mind, reputation is not everything. Whatever you do, don't let a visit to the vet feel like ritual punishment. Reward yourselves by finding a vet you and your dog like and trust.

Vaccinations: The most common vaccinations are for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Puppies receive a series of these shots until around three to four months old. Your dog will require annual booster shots, especially for rabies, which is required by law. Keep accurate records as proof that your dog's shots are up-to-date will be required for your dog to participate in most training classes and events. If proof is not required, this does not recommend the service or event.

Parasites: Gastrointestinal parasites are common in puppies. If detected early, they are easy to remedy. Left untreated, they will cause serious harm. Have your dog tested for parasites (especially the deadly heartworm) at least once per year. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos. Ensure that your dog is not infected by keeping him on heartworm preventative drugs whenever mosquitoes are active, or to be safest, use a worm preventative that eliminates all parasites continuously throughout the year.

Spaying/ Neutering: Spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) are surgical procedures that remove your dog's ability to reproduce. If you don't plan to breed your dog or have him compete in the show ring, spaying/ neutering is an option that has benefits other than birth control, including preventative healthcare and a sharp decrease of certain undesirable behaviors.

Exercise: Like humans, dogs need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. This is a good routine to establish early on and a great way to have fun and spend quality time together that builds positive rapport.