 Before You Bring Your Dog Home: You will need food, stainless steel food and water bowls, a training crate, a collar, a leash, a brush, a comb and suitable toys.
History:
All dogs come from their wild cousin, the wolf. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years. There are more than 130 different breads of dogs in the United States -- from the Chihuahua to the Saint Bernard.
Through the years, dogs have worked alongside man hunting, herding, protecting, guiding, tracking and just enjoying each other's company.
Diet:
Puppies who are 8 to 12 weeks old need to be fed four meals a day. Puppies 3 to 6 months old need three meals a day. Puppies 6 months to 1 year old need two meals a day. When your pet is 1 year old, one meal a day is enough, although you may wish to continue to feed two smaller meals a day. Dry food provides a well-balanced diet. It may be mixed with water or broth. Your dog will also enjoy cottage cheese, cooked eggs and cooked vegetables. Just make sure that these do not makeup more than 10 percent of your dog's daily food intake.
Housing:
Make sure you have a warm, quiet place for your dog to rest. A training crate is ideal. You may wish to buy a dog bed or make one out of a cardboard or wooden box. Line the bed with newspapers and an old blanket. If your dog is spending a great deal of time outdoors, he will need a warm, dry shelter. Remember to wash the bedding often.
Handling:
Small dogs, sometimes referred to as lap dogs, are easiest to handle. The larger breeds, like German shepherds or Newfoundland, are usually too large to lift. If you want to carry a puppy or small dog, place one hand under the dog's chest and use the other to support his hind legs and rump.
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