How to Take Care of a Shelter Puppy

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Clean and puppy proof your home before adopting a shelter puppy. Remember that most puppies have not been trained before landing at the shelter. Remove anything that could be hazardous for the puppy, and pick things up off of the floor that you do not want the puppy to chew.
Step 2:
Bring you puppy to the area outside that you want her to use to go to the bathroom, before taking her into the house. Keep her on leash and tell her to "go pee". Stay outside as long as it takes until the puppy goes to the bathroom. Tell her she is a "good girl" and give her love, then take her into the house.
Step 3:
Provide a safe and secure environment for your new puppy. It is best not to give him full run of the house until he is comfortable in his new environment and you have made progress with house training your new puppy. If possible, limit him to one room that has a tile or linoleum floor which is easy to clean.
Step 4:
Put your puppy into a crate when you have to leave her home alone, or can not be with her to supervise her. Dogs are den animals, and the crate provides the security of a den for them. Furthermore, crating the puppy keeps her out of trouble while you are gone.
Step 5:
Start and maintain regular veterinary care for your puppy. Get your puppy neutered or spayed if the shelter has not already done so. Have your vet give the puppy a thorough exam to make sure he is healthy.
Step 6:
Feed your puppy a healthy, vet approved, dog food. It is also alright to give your puppy dog treats. You should not feed your puppy human food. Many human foods are harmful to dogs.
Step 7:
Give your new puppy lots of love and attention. Remember that some dogs and puppies may be abused before being brought to a shelter. Do not yell at or hit your new puppy while you are training her. Remain patient and help her to become the dog you want her to be through consistent training and lots of love.

Tips & Warnings

Visit the shelter during off peak hours to increase your chances of finding a puppy. Shelters are busiest on the weekends, the best time to go is mornings during the week. Take the whole family with you to meet the puppy before completing the adoption, if possible. This cuts down the chances of bringing home a puppy that the children are afraid of.

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