Archive for year: 2017

Puppies are much like human babies in a lot of ways. They need to be kept out of certain areas for safety reasons. One of the best ways to set healthy barriers is the use of baby gates. Here are some reasons that you should consider using baby gates to keep your puppy safe. Read more

Socializing your puppy is the most important way to have a happy and confident dog for the rest of his or her life. When do you start doing it, why should you do it, and how is the best way to go about puppy socialization? Read more

So, you may be considering getting a Cobberdog puppy. But then you wonder, is a Cobberdog right for me? How do you choose the right puppy for you? Ask yourself what you really want in a companion. Just like people, different dogs have different personalities and temperaments. Do you have the time and energy to devote to the exercise and attention that Cobberdogs typically require? Read more

When your puppy reaches five months of age, he or she should be house trained and regularly going outside. It’s also very important that your puppy is spayed or neutered by this point, as around 5 to 6 months is when your puppy is reaching sexual maturity. That is, unless of course you want them to have puppies. But spaying or neutering your pet is not only the safest option, but is also good for them when interacting with other dogs.

Also, at five months, your puppy should have their permanent teeth and are trying to chew everything in sight. Like you should be doing right when they first get their teeth, make sure that he or she has plenty of appropriate gnaw able items. This is when you want to also begin a toothbrushing routine. Do not use human toothpaste, as the fluoride and some other ingredients in it will make dogs sick. This is because they most likely will swallow it instead of sitting it out.

You’ll also want to check with your vet to get your puppy vaccinated for rabies and whatever other vaccines he or she may need that are required by your local laws. These vaccines will need to be repeated after a year. It’s very important to get these core vaccines for your dog’s health.

Once your puppy reaches six months or twenty-four weeks, he or she should be in a stage of what is sometimes known as “teenage doghood.” Like human teenagers, this can mean some rebellious behavior, and it’s very important that your dog learns what “No” means. This period can last all the way until eight months or maturity. Remember that patience and positive reinforcement are key to building good habits with your dog.

There are many puppy care guides available both online and offline. Some may provide conflicting advice and leave you confused. To help, we’ve provided you with the basics on caring for your puppy for the first 8 weeks of life. From newborn to three weeks, and three weeks to eight weeks, here are the things you should focus on when caring for your new puppy.

 

For the first three weeks, don’t be afraid to just let your puppy sleep!

 

As puppies don’t have much use of their eyes, ears, and nose for the first three weeks of life, it’s perfectly fine to let them sleep a lot. This way, they can develop properly. Just be patient, as in the fourth week, their senses will awaken and likely begin to walk.

 

Get your puppy vaccinated.

 

Ask your vet about when your puppy should be vaccinated. When your puppy is ready, be sure to start right away. There are dangerous diseases such as canine parvovirus that can be prevented through the use of vaccines.

 

Let the puppy’s mother do the important early work.

 

As the puppy begins to walk, it’s important to keep the puppy around his or her mother and/or siblings as much as possible. You’ll want to do this until the puppy is 8 to 12 weeks old. This way the puppy can be properly weaned. However, you can begin to introduce solid food around the fourth week to help the process along. Also, mother and siblings will help socialize the puppy with other dogs and people, as well. The mother also teaches discipline and puppy play-biting helps teach bite inhibition.

 

Many experts suggest leaving the puppy with his or her puppy mates up until 12 weeks old, before giving the puppy a permanent home with people. This is because it’s a very important time when the dog is establishing his/her identity and stability.

 

Let your puppy explore.

 

By six or seven weeks old, your puppy should be weaned, have teeth, and be eating solid food. This is when it’s important to make sure the puppy has plenty of toys to play with. The puppy’s mother should still be around to supervise the puppy’s play. You can also begin house-training the puppy at this point. It’s very important to let your puppy explore and learn. The more you do this, the better companion you will have, and a better part of the family your puppy will end up being.

 

Once the puppy is weaned, vaccinated, and house-trained, you’ll be ready to have the puppy become a permanent part of your family.