Good care starts right from the beginning. Adopting a dog means having a new friend and member of the family. If you are inexperienced, you must understand that as soon as you bring him into your home, your dog becomes your responsibility and depends on your care, so make sure you prioritize his health and happiness.
Vaccination and spaying/ neutering
The first vaccination is scheduled at 7-8 weeks and it will protect your dog from hepatitis, parvo virus, distemper, and bordatella brontiseptica; boosters will follow at 12 weeks and 16 weeks.
Now about spaying/ neutering, things are a bit controversial, but the general rule is to do this operation as soon as possible and definitely before your dog reaches 6 months old, in order to protect his health and prevent the establishing of adult behaviors that spaying/ neutering is meant to treat.
Nutritionally balanced diet
Make sure you consult your vet about the best food for your dog. Do not buy the cheapest foods, as they may not provide all the vitamins and nutrients that your dog needs. Make sure that the dry or canned food is labeled as "nutritionally balanced" otherwise use it only as treats. Also be aware that some human food is not appropriate for dogs. You can choose to feed your dog with a home cooked diet, but if you do, cook for your dog's needs instead of feeding him leftovers from your meal. Cow milk is not good, neither for puppies nor for adult dogs, as it can cause severe diarrhea. Buy instead a puppy formula, available in any pet store.
Help your dog have healthy teeth
Raw bones are a great option to strengthen and clean your dog's teeth, but make sure they are suitable for your dog`s size. Oral hygiene is very important to prevent some diseases, so train your dog to allow you to brush his teeth regularly. Another option consists in purchasing dental products designed to be chewed; your dog will love them.
Exercise
Every dog, no matter the size or age, needs proper exercise that will strengthen his body and mental health. Dogs must be walked and allowed to play games otherwise they will develop negative behaviors related to boredom and depression. However, as a general rule, do not allow your dog to be very active right before or after feeding, because this may cause bloating which is a life-threatening condition. Make sure you wait at least an hour between feeding and exercising.
Grooming and bathing
Dogs require regular grooming, some more than others, depending on the length of their hair. Bathing is another operation that must be done frequently, especially if the dog spends a lot of time outdoors. Make sure you are using mild cleaning products, designed for dogs. In case of fleas, water is not enough to remove them; you need some commercial products, but make sure they are recommended by your vet and used appropriately.
And finally, last but not least, your dog needs your love!
