Owning a puppy is one of the greatest joys life has to offer. Considering proper new puppy care makes you a responsible dog owner. And as a responsible and loving dog owner, you make the world a better place. If you’ve never owned a dog before, you may feel stress about bringing home a new puppy. From new puppy care to how to feed your new puppy, here’s what you need to know.

Where to get a new puppy

Once you’ve decided you are ready for a new puppy, i.e. you have the capacity and are ready to commit to about 15 years of owning and caring for a dog, you’ll quickly see there are many options for where to get a new puppy. Your decision on where to get a new puppy is crucial and can make or break your experience as a dog owner. The main thing to remember is that you need to avoid puppy mills at all costs.

Puppy mills are the dark side of the pet industry. Dogs are bred in high volumes and their well-being is deemed less important than profits. Since it can be next to impossible to know exactly where a puppy comes from, the best way to avoid puppy mills is to not purchase a puppy from a pet store or website. Rescues or reputable breeders are the only good options.

“Adopting” is always better than “buying” a new puppy. You know for sure you’ve found a good source if they insist on checking you out first--such as by a phone interview, face-to-face or a home visit (an ethical business practice known as “never sell a puppy site unseen”). Rescues and reputable breeders care and want to know the puppy is going to a good home.

Avoiding puppy mills could save you thousands in vet bills. Puppies born from mills are sick, develop more health issues over their lifetime and have more behavior problems.

How to care for your new puppy

Properly caring for your new puppy means you make puppy health a priority. You set them up for success by starting them off on the right foot with the best possible care regarding nutrition, sleep, exercise and socialization.

What to expect from your new puppy

Eat, poop, sleep, play--it’s a baby! Such as all other baby mammals, puppies are mostly cute and don’t do much else than these four things (besides cause some mischief now and again). More about puppy socialization and training later on. 

How to feed your new puppy

Your new puppy will hopefully be weaned by the time you bring it home and by about week six, puppies are able to be transitioned to eating puppy food. While there are varying opinions about how to feed your new puppy, remember that you do have options.

Try making your own puppy food! Centuries before the advent of commercialized dog food, dogs have been fed by humans. It’s actually more likely the healthier option, however making your own puppy food does require time and energy. If you’ve got it, go for it! Be sure to make food specific to the nutritional needs of puppies which includes more calories, protein and fat.

If you opt for commercialized dog food (dry or wet) here’s how to choose good dog food.

It is also a good idea to include supplements and vitamins in your puppy’s diet. Provide your puppy dog wellness products that support their health.

What to get for your new puppy

• Collar and tags
• Leash and/or harness
• Pee pads
• Crate
• Chew toys

How to ensure your new puppy becomes a great adult dog

• Puppy socialization and training
• Good ‘ol TLC (tender loving care)
• Ensure they have all their shots and get regular vet checkups
• Prioritize health and wellness throughout their life

Bringing home a new puppy is the start of something great. Who knew you had the power to make the world a better place?

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information contained or made available through the ColoradoDog website is not intended to constitute or substitute for legal advice or veterinary advice.