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Puppies are bundles of joy with endless amounts of energy to run, jump, and play. Your responsibility as a new dog owner, between the pure delight of your puppy being silly, is to lead her to the correct path through training.
In addition to the routine wellness visits to the vet and measuring out the appropriate food during her growing months, you'll need to set up routines that include bathing, professional grooming, bathroom manners and socialization. Prior to introducing your puppy to her new home and all your friends, you may want to stock up on some supplies from your local dog store. These include:
treats during training
water & food bowls
metal crate with dividers that she'll grow into
collar or harness depending on the breed
4' leash
ID tags
half a dozen chew toys
brush depending on her coat
of course lots and lots of wee wee pads.
The better organized you are the easier it will be to get her acclimated to your "house rules."
Training and socialization should begin within 12 weeks. Contact a trainer for their puppy group classes and begin simple training at home. Have her wear her collar and let her follow you around your living room while tethered to the leash, call her name off leash and reward her with praise and a small treat. Begin house training by physically placing her on the wee wee pad to relieve herself. Training never stops for puppies as they grow into their personalities. Just be patient and her behavior will be corrected so long as you give loving praise and reinforcement.
Introduce your pup to many new things. From simply other dogs to letting her ride securely in your car or on public transportation, other types of socialization can include unusual noises (like fire truck sirens to kids yelling), places (like parks, your work), situations (baby carriage, people in wheelchairs, people carrying canes or umbrellas) and smells (like fresh cut grass, ocean breeze).
Some important questions you should bring up with your vet include discussing when to spay or neuter your puppy and if there is a need to reevaluate your puppy's diet based on her appropriate exercise and climate you live in.
All in all, secure puppies are happy puppies which reduce the chances of destructive behavior. As she gets older, consider enrolling her in doggie day care so as to keep her days interesting and positive.
