Puppies
Without that time and effort, puppies--no matter what the breed or bloodline--easily develop problems such as nervousness, aggression, and house-soiling. And once the novelty has worn off and the tiny ball of fluff is a nearly full-grown adolescent, these problems land many dogs in shelters. Others are banished to the backyard for a lifetime of boredom and isolation. That's why it's important to think carefully and do your research before bringing home a puppy.
What defines the stage
Experts consider puppyhood, particularly the first three to four months, the most important period of a dog's life. In that short window, a dog's experiences shape his opinions about what's safe and what's scary--opinions that can be hard to change later on.
During puppyhood, your dog will:
- Learn how to get along with other dogs, if he has lots of positive interactions with them. A dog who misses out on these interactions--part of what trainers call socialization--can grow up to be fearful or aggressive around other canines.
- Learn how to be safe and friendly around humans, if he has lots of positive interactions with people of all sorts. Without these interactions--also an important part of puppy socialization--a pup can grow up to be fearful or aggressive with humans. This goes for all breeds.
- Get used to the hustle and bustle of family life. If you expose your pup to dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, other pets, cars--basically all the things he'll be living with as a family dog--he's more likely to take all those things in stride as an adult. Just go slowly when introducing anything new, and make sure it's fun--or, at the very least, not scary--for the pup.
- Have "puppy rushes," or "zoomies." These short, sudden bursts of running, barking, jumping, spinning, and grabbing things with his mouth usually happen a few times a day and last a couple of minutes.
- Get his adult teeth at around three to six months of age. Most puppies will chew anything and everything they can get their jaws on to relieve the discomfort of teething. Ice cubes or special chew toys that you can pop in the freezer will ease the ache and give your pup something safe to gnaw on.
- Possibly eat poop. Dogs of any age can have this gross habit, but it's more common in puppies. Be vigilant about scooping poop!
How long it lasts
All dogs develop at different rates, with small breeds generally developing the most quickly, large breeds more slowly, and giant breeds being the late bloomers. For many dogs, five or six months and younger is considered puppyhood; then your pup enters adolescence.
Things to keep in mind
Puppy-proof before you bring your new friend home. You'll protect both your pup and your belongings.
Don't take a pup away from his canine family before eight weeks of age. His mom and littermates teach him a lot about how to get along with other dogs during this period.
Keep your puppy in the house and around the family. Isolating your puppy will come back to haunt you later, in the shape of fear or aggression. Dogs are very social animals; there's really no such thing as a "good outdoor dog."
Your pup needs vaccinations to protect him from serious, and sometimes fatal, diseases. Most pups get a series of shots that starts sometime between six and eight weeks, and ends at about the twentieth week.
Young pups can't walk around in public places, because they're still vulnerable to catching dog diseases. Ask your vet when your pup will be ready to go out and about, but it will probably be sometime around four to six months.
For a safe, friendly, and confident dog, expose your puppy to everything and anything he'll do or see as an adult. This includes:
- People of all ages, shapes, colors, and sizes
- Other dogs
- Other pets
- Being handled and groomed
- Having people around his food bowl and possessions
- The sights and sounds of the household and neighborhood--dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, and so on
Introductions to new situations and things should be gradual and pleasant for your pup. You want to build positive associations.
Avoid scaring your pup. Anything that spooks your puppy--particularly around weeks eight through 11, which is considered a fear imprint period--can turn into a lifelong phobia.
Don't punish your pup. Yelling and hitting doesn't teach a dog of any age how to behave, but it's especially unfair to be harsh with a young puppy who's still trying to figure things out. By all means, train your pup and be consistent about house rules, but also be gentle.
Don't let your dog do anything as a puppy that you don't want him to do as an adult. If you lavish your tiny pup with affection and pets when he jumps up on you, he won't magically outgrow the habit once he's an 80-pound adult.
Begin teaching your puppy where to eliminate and what to chew right away to prevent bad habits and establish good ones. Start housetraining as soon as you bring your puppy home. And right from the start, keep him supplied with plenty of chew toys (stuff them with kibble and treats to entice him to chew) so he gets used to gnawing on them, not on your belongings.
Growing puppies need more nutrient-dense food than adults. Check labels to make sure your food is made for puppies or for all life stages.
Avoid letting your puppy run and jump on hard surfaces, such as concrete; it can harm his developing body. Wait until your dog's a year to 18 months old before you enlist him as a jogging partner.
Be prepared for a personality change. An affectionate puppy can turn aloof in adulthood; a pup who played well with others may start giving other dogs attitude. This is one drawback to getting a puppy rather than an adult. With an adult dog, what you see is what you get, whereas a puppy may surprise you.
Bottom line: Raising a puppy is a big commitment. To make sure your pup grows into a dog who's a joy to live with, you need to give him lots of attention, training, and socialization to people and other dogs. Without this care, your pup may develop behavior problems that are hard, or even impossible, to treat.
Experts Questions and Answers
My kids are still young but we'd like to get a dog. Which breeds are best with children?March 31st, 2011
We have a big family with people coming in and out of our home all the time. Are some dogs more social than others?March 31st, 2011
Why does it seem harder to get a dog from a shelter or rescue group than from a breeder?March 31st, 2011
We have a male dog and are planning on adopting a new puppy. Obviously, we want them both to get along. Do males tend to get along better with othe...March 31st, 2011
If I adopt a dog from a shelter, how will I know he or she doesn't have any behavioral problems?March 31st, 2011
How do I know what I'm getting when I adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue group?March 31st, 2011
I'll be bringing a puppy home soon--how should I prepare or "puppy-proof" my house?March 31st, 2011
How do I know if my dog is getting enough exercise?March 31st, 2011
I know jogging isn't a good idea - what exercises are appropriate for my pup until she's full grown?March 31st, 2011
How many times a day should I give my dog a bathroom break?March 31st, 2011
How long can you leave a puppy in a crate for housetraining?March 31st, 2011
I thought my puppy was housetrained, but she had an accident. What do I do?March 31st, 2011
Must all puppies eat "puppy food" or is it okay to just feed them larger servings of regular dog food?March 31st, 2011
At what age is it appropriate to stop feeding my dog puppy food and do I need to phase it out gradually?March 31st, 2011
What am I buying when I pick up dog food labeled "for puppies?"March 31st, 2011
I know that "play dates" are a great way to socialize puppies. How do I set one up and what should happen during one?March 31st, 2011
How do you know when your dog no longer needs her crate for housetraining?March 31st, 2011
|
Human beings' health and fitness are affected to a great extent by their way of walking .This view has been confirmed by many scientific research. Therefore, [url=http://www.nike-nikeshoes.com/Chanel-Sunglasses_729.html]Wholesale Chanel Sunglasses[/url] try to make people aware and strengthen their knowledge of the correct way of walking confirming to physiology by spreading through the ideas and concepts of [url=http://www.nike-nikeshoes.com/GUCCI-Sunglasses_736.html]Wholesale GUCCI Sunglasses[/url]. Meanwhile, using simple and direct methods to help them benefit from walking correctly is also one concept of [url=http://www.nike-nikeshoes.com/]Cheap Nike Shoes[/url],[url=http://www.nike-nikeshoes.com/Ray-Ban-Sunglasses_744.html]Wholesale Ray Ban Sunglasses[/url]. In fact, the [url=http://www.nike-nikeshoes.com/Armani-Sunglasses_724.html]Wholesale Armani Sunglasses[/url] are the most popular [url=http://www.nike-nikeshoes.com/Oakley-Sunglasses_740.html]Wholesale Oakley Sunglasses[/url] to hit the world in terms of innovative shoe design. about 1 month ago by lili |
|
|
cheap nfl jerseys from china http://www.mlbjerseys.cc 6 months ago by Anonymous |
|
|
I have a 5 month old doberman mix that is in need of a home she will set when asked seems to be easy to train. she is free call and i can send u pictures. She is free and just needs a home. 510-882-0560 her name is Diamond has a lot of Doberman in her. about 1 year ago by Anonymous |
|
|
will my puppy grow out of eating other poop? about 2 years ago by Anonymous |
Recent conversations on these topics
-
Wounded Pup On DogFinder
I saw this poor puppy on the DogFinder page (link below)...someone in a wheelchair fell on him broke 3 legs/7 bones! I wish we could help him find a home! <a href="http://dogtime.com/finder/details/213664-champ-english-foxhound-american-pit-bull-terrier-mix-philadelphia-pa">Champ</a>
-
ugg boots clearance
<a href="http://www.australia-uggs.net">australia uggs</a>mework to provide a enhance goose much more generous fashion, but in add-on extremely comfortable A babe consistently wants to be informed, and absolutely hopes [url=http://www.longboots.org]ugg boots clearance[/url]
-
Reebok NFL Jerseys
<a href="http://www.ugg-outlets.org">ugg outlet</a> <a href="http://www.ugg-com.com">ugg bailey button</a> <a href="http://uggs-bootsoutlet.com/ugg-boots-clearance-c-106">ugg boots clearance</a> <a href="http://cheap-boots.org/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=97">UGG Roxy</a> <a href="http://uggs-bootsoutlet.com/ugg-roxy-short-5828-c-66">ugg roxy</a> <a href="http://www.uggs-bootsoutlet.com">ugg for cheap</a> <a href="http://www.uggs-bootsoutlet.com">uggs boots outlet</a> <a href="http://www.uggs-bootsoutlet.com">UGG Boots Sale</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">Cardy ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">leather ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">ugg sheepskin boots</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">tall ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">UGG Classic Mini</a> <a href="http://www.boots-online-sale.com">USA UGG Boots</a> <a href="http://www.boots-online-sale.com">UGG Sheepskin Boots Sale</a> <a href="http://www.boots-online-sale.com">ugg brand boots</a> <a href="http://www.boots-online-sale.com">buy ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">tall ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">Short ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">classic ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">ugg boots on sale</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">ugg australia boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">discount uggs boots</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">wholesale uggs</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">Cheap ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">buy ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">kids ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">ugg boots australia</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">UGG Sheepskin Boots</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">Uggs Classic Short</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">Classic Short Boots</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">classic short ugg</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">Classic Boots</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">UGG Short Boots</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">uggs short</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">uggs classic short</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info/ugg.roxy.short.5828.c.71">ugg roxy</a> <a href="http://www.uggs-bootsoutlet.com/ugg-boots-clearance-c-106">ugg boots clearance</a> <a href="http://www.uggboots-clearance.org">Ugg Boots Clearance</a> <a href="http://www.uggboots-clearance.org">UGG Clearance UK</a> <a href="http://www.uggboots-clearance.org">UGG Clearance outlet</a> <a href="http://www.uggboots-clearance.org">UGG outlet</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">Crochet Boots</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">Classic Crochet BootS</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">ugg Crochet Boots</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">ugg cardy crochet boots</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">crochet winter boots</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">knit ugg boot store</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">Classic Crochet for Women</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">cheap ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">argyle knit boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">chestnut ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">Ugg Classic Cardy Boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">Ugg Classic Short Boots</a> <a href="http://www.australian-boots.net">UGG Bailey Button 1873</a> <a href="http://www.australian-boots.net">UGG Classic Tall 5815</a> <a href="http://www.australian-boots.net/ugg-roxy-short-5828-c-65">ugg roxy</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">Cheapest ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">ugg boots uk</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">cheapest ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">cheap ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">ugg boots on sale</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">tall ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com">wholesale NFL Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com">Cheap NFL Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com">NFL Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com">kids nfl jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/2011-nfl-super-bowl-xlv-jerseys">super bowl jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-new-orleans-saints-jerseys">wholesale Saints Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-baltimore-ravens-jerseys">baltimore ravens jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-buffalo-bills-jerseys">wholesale buffalo bills jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-cincinnati-bengals-jerseys">cincinnati bengals jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-cleveland-browns-jerseys">cleveland browns jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-denver-broncos-jerseys">denver broncos jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-houston-texans-jerseys">houston texans jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-indianapolis-colts-jerseys">indianapolis colts jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-kansas-city-chiefs-jerseys">kansas city chiefs jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-jacksonville-jaguars-jerseys">jacksonville jaguars jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-miami-dolphins-jerseys">miami dolphins jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-new-england-patriots-jerseys">new england patriots jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-new-york-jets-jerseys">new york jets jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-oakland-raiders-jerseys">oakland raiders jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-pittsburgh-steelers-jerseys">pittsburgh steelers jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-san-diego-chargers-jerseys">san diego chargers jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-tennessee-titans-jerseys">tennessee titans jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-arizona-cardinals-jerseys">wholesale cardinals jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-minnesota-vikings-jerseys">wholesale vikings jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-san-francisco-49ers-jerseys">san francisco 49ers jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-atlanta-falcons-jerseys">atlanta falcons jerseys</a> <a href=" http://www.nfljerseysoff.com">wholesale nfl jersey</a> <a href=" http://www.nfljerseysoff.com">kids nfl jerseys</a> <a href=" http://www.nfljerseysoff.com">super bowl jerseys</a> <a href=" http://www.nfljerseysoff.com">Reebok NFL Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.longboots.org">ugg boots clearance</a> <a href="http://www.australia-uggs.net">australia uggs</a>he flag of Australia and thus, it follows that every pair meet up with the standards and excellence of the country in order to be notably famous as best quality bootsIn a company statement, Emu chief operating officer Dave Porter said: The fact that UGG Australia has filed a lawsuit against a company for misleading consumers makes us laugh down here in Australia Sheepskin Boots100% authentic sheepskin for unrivalled comfort Furuggs on saleBoots is founded on the
-
replica swiss watches
If you want to buy some,I recomeend <a href="http://www.repliquemontres.org" title="http://www.repliquemontres.org">replique montre</a>,<a href="http://www.repliquemontres.org" title="http://www.repliquemontres.org" >replique</a>,<a href="http://www.sir-mgmt.com" title="http://www.sir-mgmt.com">swiss replica watches</a> to you!You maylike this <a href="http://www.sir-mgmt.com" title="http://www.sir-mgmt.com">replica watches</a> <a href="http://www.repliquemontres.org" title="http://www.repliquemontres.org">repliques montres</a> and <a href="http://www.replicaswisswatches.us" title="http://www.replicaswisswatches.us">replica watches</a>.Thank you for come to replicaswisswatches.us!
Update: Missouri's Prop B rewritten in favor of breeders
by Leslie Smith on April 14th, 2011
Confession: I'm confused by the revisions to Prop B that came out of yesterday's congressional assembly...
Project Puppy: the all-important Gotcha! game
April 12th, 2011
Gotcha! Game: fun and important for safetyJust one visit to a local dog park should be enough to...
Keeping your dog's feet on the ground
March 31st, 2011
It is a natural instinct for most dogs to jump up on their human family members in an exuberant greeting....
Top 10 dog care essentials
March 31st, 2011
There are few things in life that are more fun and rewarding than bringing a dog into your family....
Is your dog your child?
March 31st, 2011
It's funny when I ponder the word "own" to describe my place in my dog's life. I can't imagine telling...
- See all Topic Articles »
related topics
Adolescent Dogs
March 23rd, 2009
Adult dogs
March 23rd, 2009
Choosing a purebred puppy
July 21st, 2008
Choosing a shelter dog
March 24th, 2009
Choosing a shelter puppy
July 1st, 2010
Dog Adoption
November 30th, 2010
Dog Biting and Mouthing
March 25th, 2009
Dog Marking & Housesoiling
March 4th, 2010
Dog Names
November 30th, 2010
Dog Socialization
March 25th, 2009
Dog rescue and animal rescue stories
December 8th, 2010
Feeding a puppy
April 29th, 2009
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in Dogs
February 21st, 2009
Puppy proofing
May 4th, 2009
Senior dogs
March 25th, 2009
featured articles
Dog bites anchorwoman on live TV
by Leslie Smith on February 9th, 2012
Animal behavior: Like baby, like dog
February 10th, 2012
Video: Dog help in the office
February 11th, 2012
eBay: Please stop enabling unscrupulous breeders
by Leslie Smith on February 8th, 2012
Former ‘Bachelor’ star to help control dog population
February 8th, 2012
Romney dog redux: Car stopped for suspected animal cruelty
February 9th, 2012
offers from our sponsors
Coupons and free offers on dog food, dog supplies, and more
March 31st, 2011
Eukanuba 28 Day Challenge
July 13th, 2011
3 comments | leave your own comment