Friday Im bringing home a new puppy. Hes only going to be 9 weeks old. Iv been reading up on how to care for since this will be the first time Im taking care of one myself. I used to have one but it was when I was younger and my parents cared for him. So im going to be new at this. Iv been going through different things on Petsmart.com to see what I will need and obviously im going to need to basics so we can skip that..but should I buy vitamins for him? Should I have treats or will a rawhide be ok to start out with? Does anyone have any advice for a new puppy owner? Thanks!

First of all you take care new puppy.

dude, calm down. aha your over thinking it like a protective parent. dont worry, it comes natural. focus on potty training. most people do crate training... where at night the puppy sleeps in a small cage and immediately in the morning you let it out to pee. dogs are not supposed to **** or pee where they sleep. i have 6 dogs, 2 of which are lil dogs

Warning...the first couple of weeks are A PAIN IN YOUR ***..constant whining,frequent poddy breaks, scratching...just a warning...anyway once ur puppy gets in his new home...let him sniff around a bit...u know let him/she get to know the place...but I suggest getin a puppy poop mat....cuz once they need to pee/poop....there gona do it...so just make sure they know where they can poddy.and as for the vitamins....yes get them as soon as possible...treats are....recommended...its motivation for them...but playing can be its own reward for puppies...remember...they Are restless and full of energy...if you dont satisfy that energy...they will get destructive...have fun.

Experience.

Ha ha....yes you can safely skip the tooth brush. Dehydrated roo tails are much better easier for you and better for the dog. Right:

pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

1. Book him into a puppy school to start his training straight away.
2. They are similar in many ways to having a human baby. He will have lots of sleeps during the day and need at least three small meals of a good quality puppy food some fresh bones (chicken necks are great if he is small but they MUST be raw).
3. Decide if you are going to crate him overnight or not.
4. Get him used to a collar, then drag around a lead off it so he is used to it then when he is short walks with lots of praise and treats. Get him used to lots of different people, sounds and other animals so he grows into a relaxed and confident adult doggy.
5. Lots of love.
6. Have fun
:-)
PS. I have never used a toothbrush...just roo tails....my last two dogs both lived to 15 years...both with perfect teeth and never ever had their teeth done at the vets.

30 years doggying

Start with house training.
Before going inside with your pup for the first time take it to the backyard to pee.

pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Praise and reward for peeing outside.
Use a crate with your house training.
The crate is not puppy jail.
If fed and given treats in the crate the pup will accept it as its den.
Be prepared for some sleepless nights while the pup adjusts to the new home and crate.
Google positive reinforcement training.
A toothbrush is not required now. You will need one later.
Gradually get the pup to accept your fingers in its mouth, then the toothbrush.
Remember pups do not arrived trained.
Avoid rawhide. Give bully sticks, dried tendons or dehydrated sweet potatoes.
Ball, rope, toys with squeakers, small nylabone wishbone.
Quality food such as Orijen, Acana, EVO, Canidae grain free, Blue Buffalo Wilderness, Taste of the Wild, Wilderness Core.
Vitamins not needed with quality food.
Google healthy dog treats
Home made treats are healthier than anything you can buy.
Use pieces of kibble for treats/rewards.
Have pup examined by the vet the first part of next week.
Patience. Consistency. Praise. Reward. Love.

Haha, I was going to give you an answer, but I pretty much agree with the last answer that was given before mine. Reelllaxxx, follow your instincts. Love the puppy and you will be rewarded in time, much like children actually. Have fun and enjoy!

I've raised 3 puppies :)

nphsocce,

Raising a puppy is a big responsibility, it is similar to raising a child. You need to teach it what is and isn't bad behavior. It will need shots to keep it safe from parvo virus, distemper, heart worms etc. I have raised and trained dogs for over thirty years. So, pay attention to what I am going to tell you.

First off, forget buying a toothbrush for your puppy. That is a product geared for the sole purpose of greed by the inventor. There are nylon bones you can buy that will keep your puppies teeth strong and healthy. You can also buy him a small beef bone, he'll love you for that. Second, do not buy vitamins for the puppy. A good brand of puppy food contains all the vitamins your puppy will need for good health.