The puppy should also look well kept. Observe the hair for fleas or ticks. The hair coat should look healthy and the skin on the belly should be free of sores or bumps. Dried waste under the tail may indicate that the puppy has been having diarrhea. The ear canal should be clean and free of any wax.
Puppies commonly have ear mites which causes a brown to black discharge in the ears.
Wash separately from household dishes to help prevent disease transmitted to humans. Even though these conditions are rare, it is best to practice good hygiene from the first day. Depending on the hair coat, either a soft hair brush or slicker brush would be best. The slicker brush is a wire type brush is very effective in combing the hair yet as the name implies is not harsh to the skin. Dog beds are available, but it may be best to wait until the puppy is larger to accommodate the size bed .