Sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming adding a new puppy to the family. From choosing the best breeds to immunizations and housebreaking, puppies require plenty of attention, affection, love and care. If you have children or babies in the home you more than likely selected a dog breed that you feel is gentle with children. You will still need to monitor interactions between your children and the puppy but generally you can rest assured that with gentle guidance your puppy will integrate perfectly into your family and will be a wonderful companion for your children. However, you should never leave puppy unsupervised with your children.

If you have children, you are more than familiar with safety proofing your home. Puppies also need an environment that has been safety proofed. Since puppies love to chew, you should ensure that there are plenty of chewable toys and make certain that there are no items left around that you wouldn’t want puppy to chew on. You should look around the room for any items that would pose a choking threat to your new puppy. Often the most dangerous objects are frequently overlooked. It’s best to simply get down on your hands and knees and take a look at everything that’s on the floor from your puppy’s perspective. Throw rugs, shoes, and misplaced items under a sofa or chair could all pose a threat to your puppy’s health. You should also look out for any loose or dangling wires and secure them properly. Remove any unsafe objects and create a safe environment.

One of the most important steps that you can take to ensure the well being of your new puppy is to bring him or her to regular check ups with your veterinarian. There is no substitute for the attention and care that is provided by a veterinarian and he or she will be able to identify any problems before they occur and will help you prepare for every stage of your puppy’s development. Also, every breed has specific health care needs, and your veterinarian is the perfect authority to ensure that you care for your puppy’s needs accordingly.

In addition to the guidance and care provided by your veterinarian, Purina is also offering a free puppy starter kit and a free newsletter that includes valuable information and tips.
You'll also receive 3 money-saving coupons ($8 total retail value) for PEDIGREE PUPPY® Food For Puppies and a free subscription to Puppy Scoops, an information-packed e-newsletter for puppy owners that follows the specific growth stages of your puppy.

Train Your Puppy in Less Than Three Hours