Care of the Hair  
Toenails  
Bathing  
Ears  
Eyes  
Teeth  
Ear Cropping and Tail Docking  
Examining the Puppy  
Taking the Dog's Temperature  

EXAMINING THE PUPPY

When the puppy is not feeling well, he will not be his old cooperative self. Talk to him and reassure him. If he is snappy put on an emergency muzzle. His snappiness and irritability should not be taken personally or mean that you've got a dog that "bites the hand that feeds him." The pup may have an injury or tenderness in a spot and when you accidentally touch him there, he does what is natural for him-yelps or snaps.

First, walk the puppy slowly to see if he is lame. Next, place him carefully on a table or bench and examine him all over. Look for cuts, wounds, injuries, lumps, parasites or signs of disease. Keep reassuring him and work quietly and gently.