Rule #2: Start with a Complete Check-up

A thorough check-up is always less expensive and troublesome than a complete overhaul. So why do so many people who always have a car completely checked-out before they buy it not think about doing the same for a puppy?

There are some very good reasons to do this. First, a complete check-up can pick up issues your puppy may have that will require more care or a different training regimen. A puppy may be partially deaf or blind and not knowing this may cause you to misjudge your puppy's behavior. Vision and hearing impaired animals, like their human counterparts, may be more easily startled if something approaches unexpectedly, especially from the puppy's blind spot. Also, you may have interpreted your puppy's inability to be trained as defiance or lack of intelligence or motivation.

This goes beyond major challenges such as deafness, and includes possible physical limitations on diet or activity. Understanding a physical challenge will allow you to use training techniques that will be more effective. In the case where you as a puppy parent are unable or unwilling to deal with a special case puppy, it is best that you know as soon as possible so the puppy can be placed in a home where his / her issues will be best dealt with, and both of you will be happier.

Another reason why an initial complete check-up is so important is to determine baseline. By establishing a puppy's temperature and other vital signs, as well as noting gait and morphology, your vet will be better able to detect when something in the future is amiss.

Even the best breeders and rescue organizations may not have the time or ability to fully check out every puppy they sell. For your puppy's sake and yours, start with that complete check-up.

Rule #1: Get yourself a good vet you can work with.

Training infants of any kind takes extreme amounts of patience and concentration. So, to do a good job of it, it's best to remove any unnecessary distractions as quickly as possible. One of the most distracting things I often have to deal with when I get new puppies is the infamous "D" word, diarrhea.

There are a plethora of reasons why your puppy can get the runs. If you got your puppy from a reputable breeder, humane society or rescue group, chances are that their veterinary professionals will know or can narrow down the causes for your puppy's plight. But I strongly advise against you trying to find the cause yourself. This gets back to what I feel should be everyone's Rule#1 before getting a puppy, 'Find a good vet you can work with.'

I stress that it is a vet you can work with. All doctors have their own style. You need to find one that suits your needs and likes. I like to hear everything down to the nth degree of technical detail. Others want someone who will spare the details, but will talk to your dog with a kind, reassuring voice. You need to do this BEFORE you get your puppy. Rushing to find one while your puppy is running around shooting hot, wet poop everywhere is a big mistake. It will only delay you getting the situation under control and most likely add to your stress level.

Meeting the vet ahead of time also can help you answer some questions you might have about breed, gender and age of puppy to get. This may be simpler than it seems. You would be surprised how many vets will be practicing within 10 miles of your home. Ask your friends. Ask your co-workers. Press them to tell you what they like about their vets and what they don't like. Find a couple of prospects to visit, and go meet them.

I'm a realist. Lots of people won't go the last mile and meet the vet, much as they won't meet a doctor or dentist for themselves before they need them. But even if you don't meet them in person, asking around will find you a vet you will be more at ease with. And if you don't go to meet them, at least call or email and find out if they are taking new patients and what their hours, charges and payment terms are.