THE PUPPY'S FIRST YEAR OF LIFE

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HEALTH AND NUTRITION REMINDERS

Continue feeding your pup three times a day until he's 6 months old. Have your vet explain to you how to recognize a healthy weight for your pup-with a large breed especially, excess weight in puppyhood could predispose him to hip dysplasia.

Ask your veterinarian about flea and tick control programs. Flea infestation in your home can be hard to eradicate, and ticks can carry disease. Inspect your puppy's ears regularly t check that they're clean and free of odor or discharge.

Discuss spaying or neutering with your veterinarian, It makes no sense to plan on breeding your dog uness an expert in his breed has determined him to be of exceptional quality, and unless your are willing to put in the time and effort to gain the extensive knowledge about teh breed that is required in making responsible breeding decisions.

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TRAINING TIPS FOR THIS STAGE

Continue socialization to a wide variety of people, other animals, places, sounds, and sights.

Housetraining may deteriorate over time, especially if you start taking it for granted. Remember the times when your pup is especially likely to have a "go" -after playing, and upon wakening. Keep working on teaching your puppy basic manners-to walk agreeably on a leash, come to you when called, and sit or lie down on command-always keeping it fun by using lots of treats and praise. Sessions should still be short, no more than 15 minutes, but you can have numerous sessions throughout the day.

Remember that habits your puppy learns how will persist whe he's much bigger. You might not mind him jumping up on you now, but it might be less desirable when his paws hit your chest.

Remember that pups cannot take pressure or harsh treatment. Gentle repitition in short sessions is the key.

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4 to 6 months

IMPORTANT "TO DOS"

More socialization! But go easy on a pup who's being reluctant or hesitant.

Sign up for another puppy class.

During this growth spurt-and until he's fully grown-regularly check your pup's collar to see that it's not too tight. You should be able to easily slide three fingers under it.

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6 to 9 Months

Physical Development>>

This is another period of major growth, and your pup is probably also starting to feel the effects of increasing hormones in his body. Your raucous adolescent is feeling vigorous and active, and getting enough excercise during this stage is especially important.

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BEHAVIOR CHANGES AND CHALLENGES

With all those surging hormones, your pup may suddenly seem to ignore you more or challenge your leadership. Especially in males may be early expressions of aggressive or dominant behavior; be firm aabout rules you've established.

This intensity of activity may include a new burst of interest in chewing, so keep providing a variety of safe chew toys at all times.

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KEEP IN MIND...

Raising your dog through this energetic "teenage" stage can be a challenge-but keep giving him loveing attention and the guidance he needs, and you'll both come through it gracefully!

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HEALTH AND NUTRITION REMINDERS

Although you can reduce the number of feeding to twice a day, keep feeding a quality puppy food during this phase of rapid growth.

Remember to keep on schedule with parasite/heartowrm preventative.

Consider scheduling spaying or neutering with your veterinarian, If you haven't done so already. For male dogs, neutering has been shown to significantly reduce unwanted behaviors such as roaming, urine-marking, fighting with other dogs, and mounting. Spaying female dogs prevents unwanted litters, as well as eliminating the problems of housing the female during her heat period. Spaying a female at an early age-ideally, before her first heat period, which can occur as early as 6 months of age-also greatly reduces her risk for several diseases.

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6 to 9 months

During your puppy's adolescence it's important to keep training basic commands. Going to obedience classes will help, but remember that helping him keep up his good manners at home is up to you. One key to remember: Your pup will be much easier to live with during this period if he gets enough exercise.

To help reinforce good manners and prevent your teenager from getting into destructive mischief, keep your pup with you as much as possible whe you're home. You might try havinghim on a leash with while you're in the house and teach him to lie beside you. It may take him awhile to settle down, but with patience he will. You cna also keep him near you for short periods in a comfortable crate or pen.

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* Provide your pup with plenty of opportunity to excercise.

* Keep reinforcing commands and good manners.

* Consider scheduling spaying or neutering

Always-The-Boss · Administrator Boss Posts: 433 Join date: 2008-12-25

9 to 12 months

Although your canine friend will still seem apuppy at heart, in some ways, most breeds will attain adult size by 12 months. Some large and giant breeds may not quite reach adult size or weight for up to another 6 months. Most males will begin to lift their leg to urninate by 12 monthss. If they have not been neutered yet, males will experience a lifetime high peak of hormones. Some will go through a temporary period of mounting.

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Stresses in your pup's routine can cause setbacks or relapses in housetraining and other manners. Go back to reinforcing the basics if necessary, and keep up the praise and positive attitude.

For some dogs, signs of separation anxiety can develop or intensify during this time. To help nip this problem in the bud, avoid making a big deal of your comings and goings. If your dog seems stressed when you're about to leave him, try helping him adjust with numerous practice departures, where you pretend to go away but calmly return within a few minutes.