Would you like to welcome a new puppy into your home soon? Located in Hamilton Ohio, Preferred Puppies is a trusted seller of quality, locally-bred puppies. Before being adopted out into loving families, we care for each of our puppies as if they are one of our own, and we never source from puppy mills.

Before you decide which puppy is best for you and your family, it is important to learn how to properly care for your new puppy once you get him or her home.

Tips for caring for a new puppy

Caring for puppies can be challenging at first. There is so much that needs to be done to train and protect your new puppy, both now and well into the future. Here are some of the ways Preferred Puppies recommends you go about caring for puppies:

• Despite their name, remember toy breed puppies are not toys. All puppies need food, water, and a comfortable place to sleep to grow up happy and healthy.
• Contact a reputable veterinarian as soon as you take one of our locally-bred puppies home. Not only will he or she need to be set up on a vaccination schedule, but it’s important to have your puppy on record with a vet’s office in case of an emergency.
• Feed your puppy high-quality food that is specifically designed for puppies and their unique needs. When you switch to dog food, do it gradually to avoid digestive upset. Mix a little bit of the new food with old, slowly decreasing the percentage of old food over time. The transition should take about a week.
• Keep your curious puppy away from cleaning products, chocolate, grapes, and anything else that could be dangerous to them.
• Start training your puppy from day one, and make sure you discipline your puppy anytime you catch them doing something they shouldn’t be doing.
• Reward your puppy early and often for good behavior. This is often more effective than dishing out punishments.
• Keep anything you don’t want chewed out of reach. Offer your puppy a variety of safe toys and rotate them often to prevent boredom (a major cause of destructive behavior).
• Strongly consider neutering or spaying your puppy when they turn six months old unless you plan on breeding them.
• ID your puppy with collar tags and microchips to increase the chances of finding your dog if they ever go missing.

Potty training your new puppy

It is most effective to begin potty training right away. It is nearly impossible for your puppy to avoid having at least one or two accidents in your home at first. However, you can limit the number of accidents your puppy has by figuring out what works best for him or her.

No two puppies are the same, and even puppies from the same litter may respond to potty training differently. However, there are plenty of general guidelines you can keep in mind to make the experience a bit easier on you when potty training a new puppy in your home:

• Make every effort to either crate or confine your puppy when you’re not home since that’s when accidents tend to happen most.
• Put your puppy on a schedule that involves feeding and taking them outside at the same time every day to get them accustomed to relieving themselves outside.
• Get into the habit of feeding your puppy at least four hours before they're scheduled to go to sleep and remove their water bowl about two hours prior to bed.
• Keep a leash by each of your home’s exterior doors to ensure you have one handy when you notice your dog sniffing around to use the bathroom. Teach the puppy that they can go potty even on leash with you standing right there. This will be important when you visit other places with the puppy.
• Avoid playing with your puppy when you take them outside since this could send the wrong message about why you’re taking them out in the first place.
• Take your puppy to potty after every meal, the first thing in the morning, the last thing at night, every time they wake up from a nap, and after an active play session.
• If you see your puppy start to go potty in the house, just pick them up, and take them outside. Once they've finished (outside), praise them heavily. If you find an accident later, don't yell at your puppy or punish them because it's too late. Unless the puppy is actively using the bathroom it is too late to take corrective action.
• If you are unable to potty train your puppy by the time they reach five months old, speak with your veterinarian. It could indicate a health problem.

Puppies have accidents, and it is very important to remove all traces of odor from the place your puppy potties. Regular cleaners are inadequate because puppies have very sensitive noses, and they will still smell it. If the puppy smells waste odors, they will think they've found the toilet and possibly potty there again. Pet supply stores sell special cleaners designed to eliminate odors. Use these to cleanup accidents.

When you choose to purchase one of the locally-bred puppies from Preferred Puppies in Hamilton, OH, we are available to talk in-depth about how to care for, and potty train, your new puppy. Contact us if you have any questions about the puppies we have available right now.