New Puppy Guide
 

10 Steps For A New Neapolitan Puppy

written  by Robert Gravel

Your  new Neapolitan puppy is sure to change your life in many wonderful ways. Below are ten  steps to make your puppy more comfortable and secure.

1) Puppy proof the house

2) Select a Veterinarian

3) Choose a food

4) Select toys and supplies

5) Show were to sleep

6) Teach handling skills to  family members

7) Introduce to family and pets  slowly

8) Start housebreaking

9) Begin training

10) Enjoy your new pet

1) Puppy proof your house.

Before your new puppy comes home make  sure puppy proof the house. This  consists of making sure all hazards are removed from the house or out of your puppies  reach. These things include electrical cords, children's toys, house plants, and clothing.  Select a small area in the house and gate it off. This will help in the puppy house  breaking and keep him out of trouble.

2) Select a veterinarian

Selecting a Vet may be the most  important step. Try to select a Vet who familiar with Neapolitans. Ask your breeder or  call the breed club and ask for other owner or breeders in your area. They may be able to  help guide you to one. The breeder should have began his puppy shots and worming but you  must follow up at your own Vet. Your new vet should schedule all the required shots and  worming. There are a few items I recommend that your Vet might overlook. Testing for  Coccidia (a type of parasite) should be done especially if puppy has been flown or had a  stressful transition. Another is the "kennel cough shot". I use intrac II  administer through the nose. Although kennel cough is not life threatening, it could lead  to secondary infections that are. kennel cough seems to effect short muzzle dogs, such as  the Neapolitan Mastiff, worse if it does occur.

3) Choose a food

This is a topic that should be  discussed with your breeder first and your vet second. There are a few points I will make.  Select quality food that has meat or poultry as its first ingredient. Do not feed an extra  high protein food trying to bulk up your neo. Although in the perfect world with perfect  new hips feeding should not effect your dogs hips, but it can. There have been test  showing that slow weight gain (environmental) can help when (genetic) poor hips might  otherwise be the end result. Excess weight too young can also lead to other structural,  tendon, and ligament damage.

4) Select toys and supplies

These are a few things you should  purchase for your new puppy. Bowls for food and water (stainless steel), stain & odor  remover, dog shampoo (natural oatmeal), chew toys (nylabones, rubber, rope bones), brush  (rubber curry by miller forge), leash & collar, treats or biscuits (use as rewards).

5) Show your puppy where he  will sleep.

Select a place where your puppy will be  out of the way but still see the family. I use training crates for all my dogs to sleep  in. Most dogs prefer this den-type bed. It also aids in house breaking and keeps your  puppy out of trouble, the same way a play pen keeps your human child safe.

6) Teach handling skills to  all family members.

Every family member should learn basic  puppy handling skills. Teach them how to walk and correct the new puppy. Make a list and  encourage the children to share in the responsibilities. Children should be taught never  to pick up or put the puppy on the couch, bed or other high places. He might jump off and  injure himself. Always supervise young children with your neapolitan puppy. The puppy may  view children as equal litter mates and play rough with a young child. In time he will  learn the pecking order in the household.

7) Introduce the puppy to  family and other pets slowly.

A new puppy will need a lot of down  time and should be introduced slowly to family and friends. Keep your pets on a leash when  introducing them to each other. Feed them in different locations and keep the cat's food  off the floor. Watch for signs of aggression and correct them with a firm "NO".

8) Start  housebreaking your puppy

Here are a few tips that  will aid in housebreaking your puppy. Schedule the puppies feeding and watering, watch for  patterns. A few times that are important to take your puppy out are: first thing in the  morning, after naps, after meals and before bed. Select a spot outside where your puppy  can eliminate himself and keep it clean. As stated before a crate can aid in  housebreaking. Dogs descend from wolves and in the wild would be den animals. When able to  walk the den puppy will eliminate outside and not mess in the den. A crate provides this  safe den feeling and the puppy will try to keep it clean. If you catch your puppy in the  act say "NO" firmly and put him outside. If you miss him in the "act"  it is to late to correct him. Never hit or punish your puppy.

9) Begin  training

Besides house breaking  there are two types of training I would recommend on a young neapolitan puppy; Leash  training and socialization. Leash training begins by letting the puppy walk you around  with a nylon leash & collar. At a latter age you can switch to a choke collar (use a  nylon choke if your dog has natural ears). Remember a choke is only used for training.  Never to leave a choke on your dog, it could get caught when he jumps and injure or even  kill him.

Socialization should start  first at home, the in public (after your vets OK). Studies show that dogs develop these  skills very young in life. Neapolitan mastiffs must be taught that people are their  friends. NEVER hide your puppy away because you want him to guard your house and  family. If you do this he may grow up to be a fear biter and could hurt someone without  reason. A neapolitan mastiff should never bite without reason. As an adult dog he will  guard his domain with proper judgment if he is correctly socialized.

10) Enjoy your  new neapolitan mastiff puppy

You and your new puppy  will need some time to adjust. In time he should become the most wonderful addition to  your family. Love him, praise him, but remember never let your puppy do what you don't  want a 150 pound dog to do.