INTRODUCING a new puppy to your home can be challenging under the best of circumstances.

Callie Harris, a veterinarian at Purina, offers some useful tips. “Training a new puppy can be very challenging,” Harris says. But she adds, “starting healthy habits in the beginning” can help set a great foundation for the future. New puppies are a lot of fun, but there are a few things to keep in mind to help set them up for success.

1. Don’t neglect their teeth

It’s “extremely important” to start good oral healthcare when a puppy is young, Harris says. That includes brushing your puppy’s teeth three to five times a week with a pet-approved toothpaste. “You don’t want to use human toothpaste because it can actually make our pets very sick,” Harris says. You’ll also want to use a puppy finger brush to gently work out gunk.

In between brushing, Harris recommends giving your dog dental chews to help fight bad breath.

2. Keep your pet’s mind sharp

Puppies have a lot going on, and it’s important to stimulate their brains, Harris says. She recommends getting an enrichment mat and hiding treats in it that your puppy can find. “Not only is that keeping their brains engaged, it’s also allowing them to expend a bit more energy,” Harris says.

3. Give your puppy plenty of exercise

Even if you puppy is doing well with the training, its barking all the time can be quite annoying. Harris recommends lots of exercise, noting that an enrichment mat can help with this, too. “A sleepy puppy is a happy puppy,” she says. And of course, a sleep puppy will sleep in later in the morning.

If your new puppy doesn’t seem completely adjusted to life in your home, talk to your veterinarian. They should be able to offer up some specific tips, she added. (SD-Agencies)