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Before adopting your new family member, double check that everyone involved is up to the challenge. Puppies need more care and maintenance than most people would think; but once you have one, you will begin realize just how much work they are. Be sure to research the different breeds and their unique qualities. Here are some basics you should know once you've found your puppy:

Make sure your house is 'puppy-proof.' Because of teething, puppies will chew on anything they can get their mouths on: phone cords, shoes, clothing, wires, purses, etc. Purchase toys that are meant to stand up to the wear-and-tear of chewing; heavy-duty toys that are not small enough to be swallowed. The more things the puppy has readily available to chew on, the better!

Set up an area or purchase a crate for your puppy to live in if you need to be away from the house. This will keep him out of trouble, and give him a space he can feel safe in. A crate can also double as a 'training crate' when you start to housebreak your puppy.

When you adopt your puppy, make sure to check with the rescue shelter about which type of food he has been eating. It is very important to maintain a steady and normal diet of food for your puppy; do not change his type of food while he is still young. Upon a veterinarian's advice, you can look into other food types depending upon the puppy's specific nutritional needs.

For treats, it is important to realize that rawhide isn't the best for puppies, as it can be easily swallowed, thus causing harm to their stomachs.

As with babies, a lot of patience must be used when living with a puppy. Expect many of the same problems as with a human child; they can be noisy, they can be frustrating, but with a tolerant attitude and knowledge the experience is fulfilling and rewarding!

Learn more about this author, Helen Garda.
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