The last thing you want when you bring your new dog home is to add stress to his new environment. Diet is paramount here. If you choose to change his food, please do so slowly. Continue to feed him as usual for the first week then gradually reduce his old food to 50 percent of the old content and add 50 percent of your choice to his diet. If he does well on this, then follow up the next week with a 75/25 percent ratio. Eventually, he will be able to tolerate the new diet with no complications. Check out ingredient labels prior to changing his diet -- verify that he is receiving the needed nutrients. If questions arise, contact your veterinarian or breeder for verification. Wet food is an option but keep in mind that dry food does a better job of cleaning his teeth. Consider a mixture if this is what he prefers.



Fresh water is a necessity for your new best friend. Make sure he receives several bowls of fresh, clean water daily. Stainless bowls are a good choice here because they are easy to clean thoroughly and keep sanitary. As for placement of the bowl, avoid direct sunlight. The sun can heat the water to more than 100 degrees very rapidly and no one likes drinking hot water -- not even your little guy.

You are going to need to groom your dog regardless of whether he is short or long haired. Short-coated dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers, will tolerate a brush with shorter bristles. But be careful, especially, on long haired pets, that you do not miss the undercoat. A good tip is to start on the foot and brush in a downward motion, in the way that the hair is growing. Continue in this fashion about two or three inches at a time. That should take care of any mats that may have formed in his undercoat. As for shampoo, please do not use human shampoo -- the pH levels in dogs and humans are very different. Just choose one that is strictly made for dogs.

Cleaning his teeth doesn't have to be an "ouch" situation. It actually can be fun. Purchase a toothbrush, toothpaste and rinse specifically manufactured for your little guy. He may prefer a flavored toothpaste. Do you like mint or wintergreen? Maybe he has a preference as well. His toothbrushes are smaller and ultra-soft as well. Simply apply the paste to the brush and use a vertical motion, just as you brush your own teeth. Be patient -- if he is not accustomed to this, just be calm and reward him with lots of pats and love.

Your dog needs to have his nails trimmed on a regular basis. If they become broken or ripped off, this can be a very painful experience for your little friend. If you are uncomfortable with this, by all means, take him to a groomer or veterinarian. However, if you choose to do this yourself, be advised that his nails contain a pink and a white portion. Trim only the white portion and leave some excess in order to not cut into the pink area. The pink portion contains nerve endings and blood vessels and can be very uncomfortable if cut into. If your baby possesses black nails, don't even bother. Just take him to the groomer or the veterinarian to have those little toes pedicured.

A veterinarian can be a wonderful doctor and friend that both you and your pal can trust. The very first thing you want to do when bringing your little guy home is to take him to the new doctor to be examined for anything from "kennel cough" to fleas and ticks. If this is your first dog, tell the veterinarian and let him or her know that you welcome input. The vet will undoubtedly be happy to share all kinds of information with you. You will be informed as to when your dog's vaccinations are due as well as how frequently he needs to be checked. Just as you need your yearly exam, so does your new little guy. Once you have established a loving, trusting relationship with your dog, you will quickly be able to discern if he is feeling slightly off color. That's a good time to give your veterinarian a call and see if your dog needs to make an appointment. By all means, keep the numbers of the veterinarian and an emergency clinic posted in an obvious place in your home. No matter who may be caring for your baby at any time, the emergency information will be available immediately.

These are basic care issues of which every dog owner needs to be aware. Following these simple guidelines will ensure that you and your dog have a long, healthy and fun relationship.