My puppy is 8 weeks old and the breeder said he has had all his shots, is this true?

Yes and no.  Yes, the breeder had all his shots that are required by Florida state law to have your puppy "up to date" before you bought him.  But, puppies, like children, need their vaccinations in a series.  This series of boosters are given every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks of age. Yearly boosters of these vaccines are recommended and rabies vaccine is required yearly by Florida state law.

Pace Vet Clinic's Recommended "Puppy Schedule"

8 wks---DHP+P(5 way), intestinal parasite exam
12 wks---DHP+P(booster), intestinal parasite exam
16 wks---DHP+P(final booster), Rabies, intestinal parasite exam
6 months-Spay or Neuter
1 year---Boosters/Annuals

As a new puppy owner, what should I do to make sure my puppy will live a long, healthy life?

Start by feeding him good quality dog food, this will give him all the vitamins and minerals he needs to grow strong. Do not feed table scraps or bones. Make sure you visit us as the above schedule recommends for his COMPLETE puppy vaccinations.  We will start your puppy on heartworm prevention on his first visit and you will need to continue this every month for the rest of his life.  Strongly consider having him neutered. This isn't just about reproduction, unaltered animals have a better chance of getting cancer, such as prostate cancer for males and breast cancer for females. Last but not least, love your puppy, because he loves you unconditionally.