Congratulations on the new family addition! This booklet is designed to help raise a healthy and happy puppy. We wish you many fulfilling years with your new canine.

FEEDING YOUR PUPPY

There are many puppy foods to choose from. Choose a high quality food, such as Science Diet, Iams, Eukanuba, Purina, or Pedigree. Dry food is best for healthy teeth and gums. Do not give milk, as it is very difficult to digest and may cause diarrhea. Warm water can be mixed with the dry food for very young puppies (less than 8 weeks).
The ideal feeding schedule is:
Up to 8 weeks 4 times daily
8 weeks to 4 months 3 times daily
4 months to 1 year 2 times daily
Over 1 year 2 times daily
Place an appropriate amount of food in dish and leave for 15 minutes. The puppy should eat all the food and if any remains, after the fifteen minutes, pick it up. This will teach your puppy to eat in meals, rather than grazing throughout the day.
Treats especially designed for puppies are recommended. Break them in half and limit to 2-3 treats per day. Pig ears and regular rawhides are not desirable treats due to the fat and sodium content. Healthy treats such as mini carrots and other vegetables are good for your puppy and you!
Always leave plenty of fresh water down at all times.
A multivitamin supplement may be given daily if desired.
Large breed puppies (Shepherds, Great Danes, Dobermans, etc.) can be fed a large breed puppy food, which has a certain ratio of minerals and protein level to help with their rapidly growing bones.
Puppy food should be fed until 1 year of age and then a gradual switch to an adult diet should be done over 2-3 weeks.

EXERCISE AND PLAYING

Puppies should get used to wearing a collar and leash from an early age. Daily walks are recommended for 10 minutes initially and should then progress up to 30 minutes. Certain breeds make excellent running companions. Always use your judgment for extremely cold or warm days. Regular exercise will prevent obesity and keep your pet healthy and happy.
Toys should be indestructible, such as Kongs, Nyla-bones and other hard rubber items. Treats can be placed inside of a toy and the pet will spend hours trying to get it out. This keeps everyone content and trouble free. Cloth toys, socks and towels should not be used due to the potential for swallowing and intestinal obstruction. In general, toys that are of a soft consistency, can be torn apart and swallowed in pieces and are not recommended. Please ask for other suggestions if needed.