by Chris Jones (c)

When you bring home your new puppy, you will want to maximize his health and happiness as well as your own. Just briefly here is a list of things to be avoided and their consequences.

Over stimulation-mauling, introduction to too much, too soon. This creates stress, insecurity, confusion and lack of confidence in your new pet.

Over or underfeeding can cause diahhrea, hypo-glycemia, malnutrition.

Lack of supervision could result in possible injury, traumatic situations

Lack of confinement makes a puppy or dog harder to housetrain, exposes them to possible damage or injury

Little or no training or lack of setting limits makes for a disappointed owner and a confused/bored/unhappy, sometimes unwanted dog.

Expectations too high for a young puppy; be realistic with expectations; 

Dogs are not people-puppies do not have the memory and control of older dogs.
(Give them time to mature!)

Lack of observation; with quicker notice and action, you can save yourself and your pet much expense, pain and heartache. Check daily for clear eyes, note any changes of appetite or behavior. Note any red or swollen areas, look for retained puppy teeth, etc. (Call vet's office with any questions or if you are unsure.)

Clipping nails too short; May be painful and cause bleeding: keep anticoagulant on hand. Avoiding nail clipping  may be worse than clipping nails too short.
Failure to clip nails causes nails to becomes painful when walking. Neglected dewclaws may become ingrown. Long nails force puppy to walk back on pasterns instead of up on his toes! (Keep feet clean and dry.)

Forgetting to take the dog out; this will make training harder, makes a dog more accident prone. Leaving dog for a very long time period without relief may cause him to be prone to bladder infections/stones as time goes by.

Failure to use quality/ fresh vaccines;  use only properly stored quality vaccines, keep to vet recommended schedule, keep vaccines current, check outdates, buy from a reputable source, protect your puppy, prevent disease; to do otherwise leaves your puppy at a great risk to his health and possibly even his life.