Your new puppy should be ready to leave my home around 10 to 12 weeks of age. My puppies are usually very easy to housebreak if you are consistent in their training. Always take them out when they wake up from their numerous naps, after eating and after playing. If they walk away from their toys and look like they are searching, they most likely are looking for a spot to squat.

Crate training is the safest and surest way to housebreak and train your puppy to not chew on things that aren't his. Confining a puppy to a kitchen or bathroom may give him the chance to chew on your cabinets, wallboards, walls and furniture. You never have to worry about leaving your puppy home alone if he's safely secured in his crate. They like the cave-like atmosphere and usually will curl up inside their crate when they get tired, whether you've asked them to or not. When you take your puppy home, you should start out by feeding them three small meals a day totaling about a cup. As they get older, reduce their meals to twice a day, but still totaling a cup per day. Always have fresh water available.

Get your puppy accustomed to brushing and combing their furnishings. Their nails will need to be trimmed often. If you train yourself to take just the tips off every other week, you shouldn't have a problem with cutting them too short and making them bleed.

Start brushing their teeth after the adult teeth come in - usually around five months. They don't mind the brushing if you use a flavored toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Early dental hygiene helps ensure good health. Bad teeth can lead to many health problems, including heart disease.