If you're thinking of adding an American Eskimo Dog (Standard) puppy to your family, congratulations! These beautiful, intelligent dogs make great companions. Here's what you need to know about caring for your new puppy.

Breed Specific Needs

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is a medium-sized breed with a thick, double coat. They are very active and need plenty of exercise, so a daily walk or run is a must. They are also very intelligent and need mental stimulation, so training and puzzle toys are a great way to keep them happy and engaged.

Health Issues

Like all dogs, American Eskimo Dogs (Standard) are susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the most common include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and von Willebrand's disease. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best way to keep your dog healthy and avoid these problems.

Diet

A healthy diet is important for all dogs, but it's especially important for American Eskimo Dogs (Standard) because of their susceptibility to hip and elbow dysplasia. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your dog. A high-quality dog food that is rich in protein and low in carbohydrates is a good place to start.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Puppies are curious and playful, so it's important to puppy-proof your home before bringing your new dog home. Some things to do include:

• Remove anything that could be harmful or dangerous, such as chemicals, medications, and small objects that could be swallowed.
• Make sure all electrical cords are out of reach and that any potential hazards, such as stairs, are blocked off.
• Create a safe, comfortable place for your puppy to sleep and spend time when you can't supervise.

Potty Training

Potty training can be one of the most challenging parts of owning a puppy, but it's important to be patient and consistent. Some tips to help with potty training include:

• Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals and naps.
• Be sure to praise your puppy when they go potty in the appropriate place.
• If your puppy has an accident, clean it up immediately and do not scold them.

Crate Training

Crate training is a great way to help your puppy learn good potty habits and to keep them safe when you can't supervise them. Some tips for crate training include:

• Start with short periods of time in the crate and gradually increase the amount of time as your puppy gets used to it.
• Make sure the crate is comfortable and inviting, with a soft bed and some toys.
• Never use the crate as a punishment, only as a positive, safe place for your puppy.

Socialization

Socialization is an important part of raising any puppy, but it's especially important for American Eskimo Dogs (Standard) because they can be shy around new people and situations. Some ways to socialize your puppy include:

• Take them to puppy classes or dog parks.
• Invite friends and family over to meet your puppy.
• Expose them to different environments, such as the beach, the park, and busy streets.

Training

American Eskimo Dogs (Standard) are very intelligent, so training is a great way to keep them happy and engaged. Some basic commands to teach your puppy include:

• Sit
• Down
• Stay
• Come

Remember to be patient and consistent with your training, and to always praise your puppy when they do something well.

Grooming

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) has a thick, double coat that needs to be brushed regularly to avoid matting. They also need to be groomed every few weeks to keep their coat healthy and looking its best. Be sure to talk to your groomer about the best way to care for your dog's coat.

Final Thoughts

Caring for an American Eskimo Dog (Standard) puppy is a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun. These beautiful, intelligent dogs make great companions and are well worth the effort. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian, groomer, and trainer for more tips on how to care for your new puppy.