Bringing home a new puppy is fun and exciting, but also comes with responsibilities. Your new friend is depending on you to help grow in to a healthy, happy dog so learning how to care for a puppy from day 1 is key. Here are 5 things you can do to help ensure the health, safety, and comfort of your new family member.

1. Your Puppies Comfort

In order for your new puppy to be secure and comfortable in your home, you should prepare for its arrival. Set up a special place for your puppy to sleep, with a soft, warm bed as well as toys and a convenient location for food and water.

Besides that, you should make sure you leave plenty of time to spend with your puppy in order for him to know you and feel safe and secure when around you. Make sure he knows that you are there to take care of him. Don’t forget that your puppy has just been stripped of his mother and siblings and the only home that he has ever had. In order to feel safe he is going to need a little reaffirmation.

2. Proper Food

Puppies have delicate digestive systems so do some research before choosing what you will be feeding your puppy. When you acquire your puppy, ask the owner what they have been feeding the dog. If it is not the food you would choose, gradually mix the old food with your new food. Start with a small amount of the new food and gradually increase the amount until you reach 100% of the new food.

When he comes home, your puppy may want to eat your table scraps, but you should introduce these foods slowly. His stomach will need to adjust before it can handle a lot of “people” food.

3. Veterinary Care

One of the most important aspects of learning how to care for a puppy is making sure your provide adequate Veterinary care. You’ll need to make sure to schedule regular appointments at the veterinarian’s office. Sometimes a puppy needs to be wormed; they also need regular vaccinations to stay healthy. Be sure to find a veterinarian and schedule check ups soon after your puppy comes home. This step will ensure your puppy has the best chance of being healthy.

4. Puppy Safety

Just as you “child proof” your home before you bring home baby, you should “puppy proof” your home before you bring home that new addition to the family. Puppies are naturally curious about their new world, and need to be protected from danger. That danger not only comes from what is in your home, but also from older and/or stronger pets who want to play too rough with the puppy. Also, make sure that any young children are taught that the puppy is a real live creature, because many puppies have been injured by a child who thinks they are a stuffed animal.

5. Training

A well trained dog is a joy to be around, but a poorly trained dog is a nuisance. You’ll want to start training your puppy early on so that he is a joy!

Learning how to care for a puppy isn’t hard, but it takes a bit of planning and commitment on your part. Don’t worry, if you plan it properly and give your puppy lots of love, you will be amply rewarded.