i am a new dog owner... need some help?

Question

sorry for what will probably be a long question, but i have just adopted an 8 week old pup from a shelter (poor thing was abused from the time he was 3 weeks old, then rescued by the shelter at 5 weeks old, along with his mum and siblings)

i am new 2 owning a puppy, as i have always adopted grown dogs from shelters. i also have a poodle mix who is 1 yr old from another shelter

i just want some general advice about puppies? how to check that they r ok all the time? dispite all he has been through his health is great! i hav taken him 2 the vet (even after he was vet checked at the shelter, just to be sure!)

i just wanted to know anything that i should be watching out for health-wise which pups suffer from? he is up to date on vaccinations, worming, flee treatments etc, and is booked in to get his 2nd set if vaccines on the 22nd of this month. he is also microchipped.

can anyone help me out with any pup info which they think is good? and that u think i eed to know?

thanks!

MZ2INDIPENDANT: oops, sorry u r right! i forgot to mention those details! he is a maltese x. i havent walked him out-doors yet as he isnt fully vaccinated, but i am getting his used to a leash and collar indoors and walking him to his food bowl at meal time so he associated being on a leash with something good!

i play with him every time he wakes up, and he has many toys. some squeek, some roll, some he has to figure out how to use (like the treat ball) and also many teathing bones.

i am crate training him and only taking him out once every night to potty. i dont play with him, just to the potty and back 2 bed. i think hes doing well!

i know i can find PLENTY of info on the net and in books, but i just wanted to get the every-day dog owners opinion on things, instead of a schollars opinion! =)

Answer 1

Hi Mikso!
First, veterinary examination your new a puppy to rule out any possibility of disease or illness.

Second, for your pup need get vaccinations.. To give babies the best chance of responding to vaccination, your vet must vaccinate intermittently (usually every 2 to 4 weeks) Look article: http://www.askedweb.com/askedweb/Vaccine_FAQ_And_General_Information/

Puppies 1.5-2 months old can be left along for only 2-3 hours at a time. At 4-5 month, they can be left alone up to 4 or 5 hours at a time. After six months, you can gradually extend the time up to eight hours. That , it's important are small pup do not like to be alone; they will be unhappy, and may express this unhappiness by chewing, digging, howling...and doing generally unpleasant things. If a human is at home during the day, the pup will be content; lacking a human, you should seriously consider a new dog.

Feed 4 times per day until 12 weeks, 3 times daily until 4 months, and twice daily from 4 months to one year. After a year, feed once per day. Any good brand of quality food is fine. If you're switching foods, try not to do it abruptly, or you'll upset the pup's stomach. In addition to the kibble, meat should be given to your pup. Look article: http://www.askedweb.com/askedweb/Feeding_Your_Puppy/

Puppy "Potty Training" - Puppies 8-12 weeks of age will likely need to relieve themselves every 3-4 hours. As they grow older, they can gradually extend the time between potty breaks so that by the time they're 8 months old they should be able to go for up to 8 hours without having to relieve himself. Look article: http://www.askedweb.com/askedweb/Potty_Training_Basics/

Puppies are puppies until they are about two years old! Between six months and two years, they go through "adolescense." Be sure you are willing and able to give your puppy the necessary training, time and attention this formative period of her life. I am recommend Obedience Training classes; they're a great way to teach your pup basic manners, and they accomplish at least two important functions:

1. They help "socialize" your pup, as he'll be exposed to other humans and other canines
2. They build a strong bond between puppy and owner.

Jason Homan

Answer 2

One thing that I notice new puppy owners don't realize is that puppies need to go out for frequent potty runs, even in the middle of the nite. Just like a human baby, they can't usually make it thru the nite without needing a potty run until they are 4-6 months old (ours was about 4 months). Crating is a good idea, at least thru the potty training phase, as most pups won't "go" where they sleep. Keep the crate in your bedroom so that if puppy whines for a potty run at nite, you can get puppy out. Keep the run quick and only for a potty. Don't make a habit out of interacting with puppy during a late nite potty run, or puppy might start taking advantage of it and it could become a habit. Puppy whines, puppy goes out, puppy does business, puppy goes straight back to crate and you get to sleep. They also need the opportunity to go after eating, drinking, naps and play time.

Puppies also bite during play and it will be up to you to teach puppy what is appropriate and what is not. If you do a search here on YA for puppy biting, you will find many past questions with lots of good suggestions as to how to handle that. It's something that should be addressed right away. Chewing urges is usually something that can last up to the age of 3 for many dogs too, so be sure to have lots of appropriate chews.

Training classes, if you have the time, are always a good thing. They help to socialize your puppy and training can really help increase the bond between you and puppy. I would recommend working on walking well on a leash right away too.

Good luck with your new puppy!

Answer 3

After reading your question, it is not dumb or long. Only the question unasked is the worst. Now, you didn't seem to mention the breed of the puppy you adopted. I too am a Mommy of 4 lost souls. (Dobie, 2 labs, rat terrier), but have owned and trained other breeds. You seem to have all the medical needs met at this point, but you didn't mention feeding or play rituals. This will vary upon the breed you attained, but in any case is very important to your new friends well being. Keeping the more motivated intelligent breeds (including smart mixed breeds) require prey drive and brain toys. More docile lap babies need exercise and stimulation, as well but you can take a different route. Just look up your breed on the net or in your local library, or bookstore and you will be amazed at the wonderful life you all can share!d PS. Get a list of foods that are lethal to dogs. People food isn't always friendly food!

Answer 4

I agree with crate training and going potty after every meal and play. The vet or pound should recommend your next steps of vaccination.
Unconditional love is what makes a great pet. Positive reinforcement for good behavior and use the word "no" and "bad" but that's it for bad behavior.
Lots of chew toys too....Good luck and enjoy your new family member.

Answer 5

He will chew alot. Make sure he has things to chew on. I always kennel train my puppies. I use a pet carrier or wire kennel big enough for puppy to stand and walk around just a little. Leave him in kennel overnight, while you are at work, when you can't watch him. Take him out immediately upon opening the kennel door. Puppies will usually not "go" in their cage. If they do just clean it out really well and continue with the training. Make sure he gets plenty of exercise. There are plenty of websites out there that will send you free puppy info. There are probably even some listed on your bag of dog food. Best of luck with your new puppy. :)

Answer 6

Sounds like your doing a great job. Well done. My best piece of advice would be to socialise your puppy with other dogs as soon as you can. Enroll in puppy school. There will be lots of people there in the same situation, and it's a good place for support and advice. Also ensure you get him comfortable with as many different people and situations as possible. If something frightens him don't react to him by cuddling him. To him that is praise to for being frightened, which may in time lead to agression. It sounds like he's had a rough start to his life, and i'm glad things now look better for him.

Answer 7

To keep you and puppy happy.. as soon as he wakes up take him out to potty

As soon as he eats.. out to potty

About 15 mins of play time.. out to potty

They are little potty machines ... lol.. my puppy is now 10 weeks old and goes to the door all by himself now.. "most of the time"... with the sub zero weather he has been a great little guy.

Don't Ya Just Love Puppies??

GOOD LUCK

Answer 8

I think he will be just fine.You seem very responcible.I can suggest just puppy proofing your home at this point so he doesnt get into anything.And be sure he cant get to wires in the home/houseplants/carpets that when chewed,,unravel/anti-freeze & such.
Thanks for adopting from the shelter ;O)

Answer 9

make sure he's walking and getting around okay. trauma to the head can be noticed through balance problems that occur and get worse rapidly.
make sure he's eating well and drinking and going to the bathroom regularly and that his stools are not runny or overly soft.
most important thing is to make sure he is emotionally okay. is he shy of other dogs? is he shy of you? do some things seem to scare him?
if he cries at night do not go to him accept every couple of hours to take him out to pee. it is heart breaking but if you go to him whenever he cries you'll train him to whine for attention.

Answer 10

Here is a site with some good information:
http://www.ddfl.org/tips.htm#dog
Can you try crate training?
If you join yahoo group called agbeh, they have lots of links on behavior and training, all positive techniques. It is a great group!