Battle Ground Veterinary Clinic, P.C.

Wellness Care

Puppies and Kittens: Training and Feeding

How do I train my puppy/kitten? There are several techniques to train a puppy or kitten to potty in the correct spot, do tricks, and listen to his/her owner. When you bring your new pet it for his/her first veterinary visit, we will provide you with a guide book with basic information on training, feeding, and introducing your pet to its new home and family. Your veterinarian will also be happy to provide you with tips and answer any questions you may have. Puppy classes are a great way to both teach your dog to respond to commands and socialize him/her with other pets. Consistency is the key to success, but whether accomplished at home or through classes, training is very important in the first several months of ownership. A relationship must be established making the owner dominant and in command. An obedient animal is more likely to maintain its good manners around other people and pets causing less stress and disruption for you and your pet.   

What should I feed my puppy/kitten? Young pets (less than one year old) should be on puppy or kitten specific food. These diets are specially formulated to provide the nutrition most needed in the early stages of life. A high-quality, reputable brands such as Purina, IVD/Royal Canin, Science Diet, or Iams are recommended and often come in various formulas for specific breeds and sizes. It is important to decide upon diet and stick with it as switching foods is hard on a dog’s stomach. Puppies and kittens 6-8 weeks of age can be fed 3 scheduled meals a day. As they grow, their diet should alter as well. The amount and frequency is based on their personal lifestyle, ideal weight, and breed. Ask your veterinarian what the recommended feeding schedule is for your dog or cat.

If switching foods, how should it be done? If a switch of foods is needed, it should be done gradually in a 10 day period. Initially 1 part new food should be mixed with 3 parts of the old food. Day 4, mix 2 parts new food with 2 parts old food. Day 7 mix 3 parts old food with 1 part new food. Finally on day 10 a full meal of the new food can be given.

3 Parts Old: 1Part New			2 Parts Old: 2 Parts New			1 Part Old: 3 Parts New			All New
Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10

What should I NOT feed my puppy/kitten? A good choice of food with a regimented feeding schedule can be ruined by seemingly harmless treats and table scraps. As a rule of thumb, animals should never be feed table scraps or any other human foods outside of their recommended diet. These slips can cause begging, picky eating, weight gain, and malnutrition. Do not allow the dog to eat cat food or vice versa as these foods are specially designed and can cause internal issues if given to a different animal. Also, certain toxic foods such as onions, chocolate, grapes, raisin, and macadamia nuts should be avoided completely. (see our Harmful Substance link for more details)