IMPORTANT!
Please take your new pup to your Veterinarian within the next 72 hours for a health check.
You have a health record that will tell your Veterinarian everything he or she needs to know.
Complete all the puppy shots and always keep your dog on heartworm preventative and flea medication.

HELPFUL HINTS
   Each pup has its own personality. It's up to you to mold your puppy into the dog you always dreamed of. The more time you spend with your pup the first year the better adjusted and bonded your pup will be.
   Try to put yourself into your pup's place. If you don't want your pup to chew your shoes and clothing, do not give the pup old socks, tee-shirts, and shoes as toys. Never encourage your puppy to chase cats, squirrels, birds, etc. This behavior can lead to severe problems and biting. It may seem innocent now but when your neighbor's pet cat or child has been bitten the penalty can be expensive, not to mention the guilt.
   Another big mistake people make with their pups is that they play too rough. Never grab the pups head and shake and growl.  Wrestling is another thing that can just turn a sweet puppy mean. Playing with your pup is fun, but find games that benefit your pup and teach it good things: Fetch, Frisbee, Walking on the Leash, Sit, Sit-up (Scotties love to do this), Stay, Come. Take your pup for rides in your care (make sure not to leave the dog in the car for any length of time -- cars heat up to unbearable temperatures very quickly), walks in the park and hiking. Expose your pup to new environments and situations: parades, auctions, family outings, quick trips to the cleaners.
   One of the best things you can do for your pup and your relationship is to consider obedience training. I always take my pup to the class our humane society offers. Even though I have many dogs and have been through the class many times before, it really benefits the puppies. Dogs learn a lot from watching other dogs, for years farmers have been training stock dogs by taking the pups out with the older dogs. This same principle works in the obedience classes. You will be amazed on how your dog will pick up on the other dogs. At first you may think that your pups is not picking any of it up. But the consistent practice, your dog will learn all the basic commands and more. It is also another great chance to bond with your special pet.
   Obedience training can also help when your pup goes through its terrible teens. If you're lucky you will not even notice this time in your dog's life, but for others it is a time that requires patience and understanding on your part. Their teens usually happen sometime between 5 months to 1 year. You think that everything is going so well with your puppy, housetraning seems done, chewing is under control and the pup comes each time you call.  Then one day you wake to find your best shoes missing a heel, a special present in the middle of the floor, and your precious puppy has dug out of the year and is across the street at the neighbors!
   Don't panic -- just put yourself in the your pup's place, we were teens before too. If you do not intend in breeding your dog (which requires a lot of time and some skill), now is the time for neuter surgery. Also plan spending more time with your pup in basic obedience skills and play. Remember you pup is screaming out for attention and a good long walk helps to tire out any teen and it's good for you. all of this work and play will turn your little SCOTTIE PUP into your best friend and faithful companion.

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Also see: Puppy Tips 2: Care and Feeding of Your New Puppy by Kathy