04/29/2025
When individuals acquire a new puppy, they frequently inquire about the necessary steps. The primary and most crucial consideration is ensuring the puppy has received all required vaccinations. Completing the series of vaccinations will necessitate multiple rounds to guarantee the puppy receives parvovirus and distemper shots, as well as rabies shots, which cannot be administered until 12 weeks of age. The second essential step, particularly if you anticipate the puppy will require grooming, is to ensure proper socialization. This can be achieved by taking the puppy on outings in the car, where they will experience positive interactions, not limited to veterinary visits. Exposing the puppy to various environments, such as walks or new locations with unfamiliar dogs, smells, people, and sounds, will facilitate their adaptation to these stimuli and minimize anxiety. Third, especially for puppies with longer coats, it is advisable to introduce them to combing or brushing at an early stage, even in the absence of tangles. Acclimating the puppy to the sensation of being combed and brushed will simplify the process when tangles do occur. The fourth consideration is to acclimate the puppy to being touched and having their legs or feet handled. Regularly massaging their feet and gently manipulating their toes will facilitate future nail trimming and hair trimming around their feet. Lastly, if you intend to take your puppy to a groomer, it is recommended to initiate this process early, rather than waiting until they are 8-9 months old. Even if the puppy does not require extensive grooming, introducing them to the sights, sounds, and processes involved in grooming will minimize potential distress, younger puppies tend to be more adaptable to new experiences than older puppies.
