Puppies also need ready access to fresh water at all times, especially if they are eating dry food. Water is essential for hydrating the body and flushing waste products of metabolism out of the body in the urine. The flushing action particularly is important in female puppIes because it can help minimize the incidence of puppy vaginitis and prevent bacteria from migrating into the bladder and kidneys in puppies with the disease. The water should be changed at least twice a day. Allowing a puppy access to water or ice late in the evening may result in having to take it out at night, but this inconvenience is temporary, and the results are well worth the interrupted sleep.
Puppies require much more than food and water.
Basic training keeps puppies' minds active and eager. Crate training, housetraining, Sit, Down, Stay, Come, walk on a loose lead, greeting behavior, grooming behavior and feeding behavior are basic skills all puppies should learn. While books can be good resources, a puppy class offers the chance to socialize and have fun while learning desirable behaviors. Puppy classes are offered by dog clubs, pet stores, kennels and community colleges. Selecting the proper trainer is just a matter of asking a few questions.