needs to know that that is his territory.

The first days in his new home should be tranquil for him and you should be patient and comprehensive. At night put a lukewarm water bag and a blanket in the puppy’s cot; this will make him feel protected and he won’t feel so much the mother’s absence and of the rest of the brood. A mechanical clock helps it to calm down, for it simulates the mother’s heartbeat. Songs can relief the tension from the loneliness. If he whines, do not reprimand or take him to your bed; on a few days he will get used to sleep alone all night.

Up to the fifth month of life, puppies normally sleep several hours daily. It’s advisable not to disturb themselves or constantly pick them up. Avoid calling its name only to see him paying attention. Call him with affection; the call of his name should correspond to a pleasant order. Speaking loudly is a useless attitude, since his hearing is a lot sharp; to call his attention to something wrong, simply say his name in an unlike tone of voice he’s normally used to. And at the moment he did it; after some minutes have passed, he will not know why he is being reprimanded.

Animals with age varying between 2 and 6 months must receive at least 3 meals daily, observing regular time schedule, the same bowl and the same place. Water must be left at disposal all day, and be changed daily.

The amount of food to be offered varies according to the breed, age and quality of food. When you offer food to your animal, a great relation of affection is established. Every time you offer him the food talk to him and give him affection.

It is recommended to feed animals living inside the house before people’s mealtime, so they won’t beg for food. Human foods are not recommended for pets.

USEFUL TIPS

• Do not offer human or scrap food and junk. Beyond the fact of not being specific foods for dogs, they can cause intestinal problems, allergic reactions, nutritional deficiencies and lead to obesity.

• Do not give chicken bones or rib meat since the puppies can choke.

• Keep a schedule routine. Leave the food available for only 20 minutes and withdraw it after even if the puppy has not eaten it all. Offer the same variety of food only in the next meal.

The education process begins when he arrives to the new home. Puppies are naturally clean, they never dirt the place they sleep or where they are fed, unless in case of illness or they do not have chance to leave the place. At two months old the feces and urine control is fully developed. Their adaptation to the human environment and the rules at home are not complicated; a little of patience in the beginning and frequent and regular going outs in the morning, afternoon or after the meals, are the key for success.

Puppies do not know the difference between a rug or a mat and a cleaning cloth. Therefore, you need to teach him about the adequate place to do his bare necessities. There is an endless number of products that help the puppy to learn it. Ask a veterinarian to know about the most adequate product for him.

The cubs have a quick infancy if compared to human beings. It is a lot common for them to “full around” in this stage of life. It is necessary to leave toys around for them to amuse themselves and have fun.

Cleanness and hygiene are very important for the puppies. Many parasites live in the dog and they deposit their eggs on their little cot and blanket. It is necessary wash them separately, always keeping them clean and dry. Always wash the bowl after the meals. And do not wash the appliances of your animal with your family dishes.

Dogs are animals that live in packs and all packs a leader. Show your little dog, from the early months of life that is you who gives orders and he should obey them. To have a well behaved, trained and happy companion, 10 to 15 minutes of your day and a good dose of patience is enough to have a great buddy. You can also follow these hints:

• • Buy an adequate leash for your animal. For him to get accustomed, you can put it on him when he’s twelve weeks of age.
• • Keep him always on the leash when going for a stroll in the streets.
• • You can start the training when the puppy is 12 weeks old in daily short sessions. The attention and the memory of your little dog are limited.
• • It is important to have in mind that the dogs learn by associating cause and effect. When the little dog obeys to your command, you must fondle and please him immediately. If he disobeys, always reprimand him right away, without violence.
• • Your command must be an order. For such, speak with a firm tone of voice. When you teach the command, be simple and direct. Does not use long phrases.

For a good training it is necessary that the little dog be accustomed to the use of the leash.

• • SEARCH: Sit down on the ground and throw a toy to a short distance and say, "get it", encouraging the puppy to go and get it. If he obeys, you will use the leash for bringing him back to you and you will please him. Practice this play for five minutes, once or twice a day.
• • SIT DOWN: This command should be taught after your dog has learned the search command. When the cub returns with the toy, put your left hand on his posterior back, carefully shoving him down. At the same time pull the leash up and backwards and say in a command voice "sit down". Practice for ten minutes, once or twice a day, for four days. Don’t forget to please him.
• • HERE: After your dog have learned the sit down command, say his name and the command "Here" and gently pull him by the leash. Please him enough. The act of coming to your direction should always be a pleasure.
• • STAY: When the puppy reaches 14 weeks of life, start this command on its daily training. Sit down beside him, say the command "Stay" and walk slowly around him. Stare at him for some seconds and return to his side. Wait a little bit and then please him. If he moves during the exercise, repeat. It is advisable to teach this command in a very calm place.
• • TOGETHER: At 14 weeks of age your puppy should be ready to walk on the leash by your side. This it is the first real test of discipline. The objective of this exercise is to teach him to calmly walk by your side, without pull or stretch the leash. To train him, you will need a choke-like leash with no spikes that could injure him, maintaining the little dog by your left side. Get the leash around your right hand and maintain the little dog to your left. Give the command "together" and begin to walk. Control him through pokes of the leash.

Many dogs have the craziness to run after cars or motorbikes. But you can teach them not to this: On a leash, wait for a car to pass and energetically pull it at the moment the dog tries to follow the vehicle. Say DON’T in a firm tone of voice. A strong poke can cause some discomfort, but is much better than your dog to be run over.

Another craziness is to chew over shoes, furniture or to scratch doors. Again, reprehend with an energetic NO and offer him a dog toy. While a puppy, it can be funny to watch him chewing over an object, but when he becomes an adult it can be extremely unpleasant .

Frequent barks are generally associated to the loneliness and to the boredom. Regular training and a little of affection daily can resolve this problem. However, if the puppy barks excessively, hold him by the "cheeks" and give the command DON’T. The barks are not to protect its property , since the dogs are only considered mature after 14 months old.

To avoid undesirable jumps, put the palm of your hand opened in front of his snout when he tries to jump and say the command DON’T.

The dogs also like to dig holes, as for instinct or for fun. It is normal the little dog bury bones you gave him. Discipline and supervision are generally sufficient to correct this problem. If the puppy insists on digging your garden and you catch him doing so, hold him by the "cheeks" and give the command NO.

Dogs love to sneak the trash can, but this simple play can be risky for his health.

He can eat the trash and choke with chicken bones, cut himself with bottles and can even get some digestive disturbances. For reprimand, say NO pull the leash at the moment he shows interest for it. A reminder: the basic obedience training will solve the majority of your puppy’s problems. The use alone of the word NO will be enough to prevent your dog to do any prank.

The majority of the dogs and cats are born with worms. They are transmitted to the cubs through the mother’s placenta or during the breast-feeding. Fortunately these in festations are easy to prevent and treat.

By that, be aware if your puppy presents some of these signs: weakness, diarrhea or vomit; loss of weight without alteration of appetite; swollen abdomen; blood filaments, mucus or similar structures to cantaloupe seeds in the stool; strange behavior, as of rubbing the anus on the ground.

Prevent these illnesses through a periodic program of giving vermifuge prescribed by its veterinarian. In general it is recommended to initiate in the first weeks of life. Be careful when manipulating the feces, because some verminosis can be transmitted to humans. Do not forget to always wash the hands after performing the task of hygiene.

The fleas are the most frequent external parasites responsible for causing itches, discomfort, allergic reactions and worms transmission. They are mostly found in the environment where puppies live (little cot, carpets, wood floors and slits).

In order to obtain effective results in the flea control, one must treat the animal and the environment simultaneously.

The ticks and lice are also external parasites that can transmit illnesses. Check your dog and cat periodically and ask for your veterinarian's help to exterminate these parasites.