New Puppy Help Page

Have you just gotten your first puppy or adult dog?
OK, maybe you had dogs as a child, but is this the first time you are the person  responsible for your new friend's care and training? Are you terrified you're going to mess up? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this page is for you. We will continue to add new information to help guide new dog care givers through the initial "Oh my gosh, what was I thinking when I got this dog" phase of having a new canine family member in your life.

I've never been responsible for a dog. The last time I had a dog,
I was a child! What are the basics of taking care of a dog?

If your dog just had puppies, it is important that your veterinarian examine her and the puppies as soon after birth as possible to be sure all is well. Your veterinarian will also advise you as to what preventative care the puppies and their mother need to be sure the pups grow up to be healthy dogs.

6 to 16 week old puppies need to be examined by a veterinarian every 2 to 4 weeks, and receive various medications and injections to help protect them against many common diseases and parasites. It is very important for puppies to start on heartworm preventative as well as flea & tick control products during these visits, too. At ARKLE, we will customize your puppy's treatment plan based on his/her age, physical condition, lifestyle and risk factors. We will also discuss puppy training, nutrition, behavior, dental care, spay-neuter and answer questions you may have about your puppy at these visits.

Healthy adult dogs and puppies older than 16 weeks need to be examined by the veterinarian every 6 months and have preventative treatments and certain tests performed to be sure they are well protected and that there is no internal disease developing. Screening lab tests, strategic dewormings and sometimes booster vaccinations will be recommended based on your pet's condition, lifestyle and risk factors.

"He's messing up all over the house! How do I house-train this puppy!?! 
"He's chewing EVERYTHING including me!" 
Foods your dog should never eat   Don't give him/her bones to chew on!
"She won't walk on a leash!" How to leash train a puppy
I'm having SERIOUS problems crate training
my puppy!
My dog is crazy wild! How can I calm him/her down?!?
 

HOW DO I..... Movies to show you ways to help your dog by giving a pill - check to see if your dog has fleas or ticks - applying flea/tick prevention - brushing their teeth - giving a bath - trimming nails - brushing a thick coated dog