Puppy Training: First steps puppy care.

Janice Foster
Jul 12
4 min read

Updated: Aug 17

Puppy Management ~Keep Your Puppy Happy and Healthy!

Preventative care is essential for your puppy's well-being, especially when it comes to protecting them from pesky worms and fleas! With your vet's expert guidance, ensure your puppy gets their initial vaccinations and booster shots to shield them from contagious diseases. This proactive approach can save your furry friend from serious health issues or even tragedy.

Beware of Fleas!

Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking parasites that can easily latch onto your puppy. If they multiply, they can lead to significant health problems and even invade your home! Stay vigilant to keep your pup flea-free!

Signs Your Puppy May Have Fleas :

Itching and Biting: If your puppy is licking or biting their skin, it could be a sign of fleas. Watch for your other pets and even yourself itching too!
Flea Dirt: Look for flea dirt, a mix of flea droppings and dried blood. Use the wet paper test: if it turns reddish-brown, you've found flea dirt!
Live Fleas: Part your puppy's fur to check for live fleas, especially around the tail and tummy. They’re quick little critters, so keep your eyes peeled!
Hair Loss and Sores: Excessive itching can lead to skin damage, sores, and hair loss—clear indicators of a flea problem!
Anaemia: In severe cases, fleas can cause anaemia in young puppies. Look for signs of weakness and pale gums. If you notice these symptoms, get your vet involved immediately!
Tapeworms: If your puppy has a tapeworm, it may have come from a flea. Puppies can ingest fleas while grooming, leading to these unwanted guests!

Lungworms: Lungworms are fascinating little creatures, measuring only 2.5cm in length as adults! They make their home in the chambers of our pets' hearts and in the artery that connects the heart to the lungs. Although they reside in the heart, they are called lungworms because they primarily cause lung-related issues, such as coughing. Isn’t that intriguing?

These sneaky worms are transmitted through snails and slugs. So, if your dog enjoys playing or munching on these slimy critters in the garden or during walks, they could easily become infected! Additionally, dogs can pick up lungworms by eating grass, drinking from puddles, or using outdoor water bowls and toys that have been left outside. It’s essential to keep an eye on your furry friends to keep them safe and healthy!

Stay proactive and protect your puppy from these pesky invaders for a happy, healthy life! 🐶✨

Puppy Training ~ Cooperative Care: A Fun and Engaging Approach!

Cooperative care is an exciting method of working with your puppy that empowers them to make choices and become an equal partner in the training process! Instead of feeling like an unwilling subject, your furry friend can actively participate, making the experience more enjoyable for both of you. Caring for your puppy can transform into a delightful journey when they are a willing participant in grooming and training. By listening to your dog and allowing them to make choices, you can build a strong relationship founded on trust and mutual respect.

Resources to Explore: Deb Jones has authored a fantastic book titled "Cooperative Care: Seven Steps to Stress-Free Husbandry," which is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this approach. Additionally, there's a vibrant Facebook group where you can connect with other enthusiasts!

Feel free to choose the avenue of learning that suits you best—whether it’s diving into the book, joining the Facebook group, or perhaps even trying both! Embrace this enriching experience and watch your bond with your puppy flourish!

First steps Grooming:

Puppy Training ~ Introduction to Grooming Your Puppy

Stroking is the first step towards fuss-free grooming which your puppy will enjoy. Before adding any brushes to the mix, check out how happy (or not) your puppy is to be touched. Use the 3-second rule, which means that you withdraw your hand from the puppy after a maximum of 3 seconds and allow the puppy to move away if they wish to at any point.

Assessing Your Puppy’s Comfort

Work around all the parts of your puppy's body as much as they will allow and score how accepting of stroking your puppy is at each part of their body. Rate it with a score between 1 and 5, where 1 means they enjoy being stroked and 5 means they hate it and move away quickly. There are lots of different areas to consider; check them off and score them as you go.

Areas to Assess

Top of head
Ears
Neck
Chest
Shoulders
Front legs
Front feet
Back, along the spine
Sides, along the ribs
Belly
Groin area
Hips
Back legs
Back feet
Tail

That's a lot of puppy!

Tooth Brushing:

Importance of Dental Care for Puppies

Brushing your puppy's teeth may be tricky, but it is worth the time invested in a cooperative approach to this important aspect of husbandry. By the time dogs are 3 years old, most dogs already show signs of gum disease (also called periodontal disease). As a result, dogs may be at risk for some of the same problems that chronic infection can cause in people, including: