Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro: Hi! I am Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro with the American Animal Hospital Association or AAHA. Today, we're going to talk about how to care for a puppy. First, we're going to talk about, how to select a puppy to suit your lifestyle.

Next, how to prepare your home for that puppy, and how to select a veterinarian? Next, we'll talk about, how to introduce your new puppy into your home environment. Then how to survive the first night at home with your new puppy. We'll talk about how to socialize that puppy with other animals and with people.

Finally, we'll talk about establishing a daily routine with you and your puppy. You might want to consider some tools to have at home to help care for your puppy. Things like, a crate or cage appropriate to the needs and the size of your puppy. That may change as the size of your puppy changes. Some food appropriate to what your puppy's needs are. Bowls, a leash, a collar, some toys and safe things to chew on. So your puppy doesn't chew on your furniture.

Generally, it's a good idea to establish a relationship with a veterinarian beforehand, so you can discuss your pets wellness throughout its life. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I'm the Director of Emergency Services at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Our hospital is proud, that we've been accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association or AAHA.

AAHA is the only organization in the United States and Canada that accredits veterinary hospitals according to over 900 standards of excellence. Now let's talk about caring for your puppy.