For New Puppy Families
Caring for Your New Puppy
Everything you need to set your new Cedar Wood Farms puppy up for a happy, healthy, confident life — from the first meal to the first training session and beyond.
Feeding & Nutrition
Feeding Your Puppy
Good nutrition is the foundation of healthy growth. Consistency, quality food, and a steady routine keep your puppy's digestion and energy on track.
Feed a high-quality, breed-appropriate puppy food (small-bite kibble) — we'll send you home with the exact food your puppy has been eating to ease the transition.
Follow a consistent schedule: 3 meals per day until ~6 months, then transition to 2 meals per day.
Portion sizes matter — follow the bag's guidelines for your puppy's expected adult weight and adjust to keep a lean, healthy body condition.
Always provide fresh, clean water. Wash the bowl daily.
Transition to a new food gradually over 7–10 days (mix increasing amounts of new food with the old) to avoid stomach upset.
Avoid table scraps, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (sugar-free gum), and fatty or salty human foods.
Training Basics
Training & Routine
Kind, consistent training builds a well-mannered companion and a deep bond. Start early, keep it positive, and celebrate the small wins.
Crate training is your friend — a crate becomes a safe den, aids potty training, and prevents destructive habits when you can't supervise.
Start potty training immediately: take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bed. Reward success immediately.
Use positive reinforcement only — reward desired behavior with treats, praise, and play. Never punish; it damages trust and slows learning.
Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes) and fun. Puppies have short attention spans — several brief sessions beat one long one.
Teach basic cues early: name recognition, sit, come, leave it, and leash manners. Consistency and repetition are key.
Be patient and calm. Your puppy reads your energy — frustration creates anxiety; encouragement builds confidence.
Early Socialization
Early Socialization
Thoughtful socialization during the first few months shapes a confident, adaptable adult dog. Gentle, positive exposure is the goal — never force.
The prime socialization window is roughly 3–12 weeks — gentle, positive exposure now shapes a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.
Introduce your puppy to a wide variety of people — men, women, children, people in hats, glasses, and uniforms — always at the puppy's pace.
Expose them gradually to everyday sounds: vacuums, doorbells, TVs, traffic, and thunder. Pair new sounds with treats to build positive associations.
Arrange safe, controlled play with vaccinated, friendly dogs to build canine social skills.
Handle your puppy daily — paws, ears, mouth, and tail — so grooming and vet visits are stress-free later.
Explore new surfaces and environments (grass, pavement, carpet, gentle inclines) to build physical confidence and resilience.
Every new experience should feel safe and rewarding. If your puppy is frightened, back off and go slower — never force it.
A Quick Safety Note
Keep your puppy away from unvaccinated dogs and high-traffic public areas until your veterinarian confirms vaccinations are complete. Always consult your vet with health, diet, or behavior concerns — they're your best partner for a thriving puppy.
We're Here Every Step of the Way
Lifetime breeder support comes with every Cedar Wood Farms puppy. Questions about feeding, training, or socialization? We're always a message away.
