ToyBreeds.com Puppy Care Series #1
Puppy's
First Year:
What To Expect Month by Month
by
Louise Louis
http://www.ToyBreeds.com
SMASHWORDS EDITION
PUBLISHED BY
ToyBreeds.com on Smashwords
USA
*****
Copyright © 2010 by ToyBreeds.com
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Month One
Month Two
Month Three
Month Four
Month Five
Month Six
Month Seven
Month Eight
Month Nine
Month Ten
Month Eleven
Month Twelve
Appendix - Common Puppy Body Language
Note: breed size is based on a breed's mature normal weight. Small breeds are 20 or less pounds; medium are up to 60 pounds; large breeds are more than 60 pounds. The American Kennel Club website at http://www.akc.org has information on normal weight and height of every pure dog breed. For mutts, look at the dominant breed type and your puppy's bone structure.
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Nine weeks
after getting pregnant, a female dog (bitch) will be ready to give
birth. Each puppy emerges from his mom in his own placental membrane
or sac which must be removed
before the puppy can breathe.
The mother usually takes care of this by tearing off (and sometimes eating) the membrane. She will then lick each puppy to stimulate breathing.
It is very important for a puppy to suckle soon after he emerges from the womb. Suckling lets him ingest colostrum, a milk-like substance containing maternal antibodies, which helps the newborn puppy fight infections.
Poor little puppy is totally dependent on his mother (and her humans) for food, warmth and protection. He's born blind, deaf, and toothless.
His mother will stimulate her pups to urinate and defecate during their first month. To hide signs of puppy's presence from predators, she will eat their wastes.
She will teach her puppy how to behave by playing with them, grooming them via licking and cuddling with them so they learn to value being touched.
She also will enforce discipline if they misbehave such as biting too hard. This is the genesis of the 'alpha roll' that some dog trainers still practice. The mother disciplines her misbehaving puppy by pinning him to the ground on his back and holding him down often by his throat until he calms down.
Some trainers use this technique in the theory that it teaches the dog that the trainer is now the alpha dog or pack leader. (I don't like this training technique; even the dumbest puppy realizes you're not his mother. A naturally aggressive dog may react strongly to being placed in this position and bite or injure the trainer.)
It will be a full two weeks before the puppy can do anything other waddle. By the start of the third week, his eyes will be open although his eyesight is limited. His puppy or milk teeth will begin to emerge and he'll be lapping up liquids.
By the end of week three, he'll be raising himself on all four legs and able to walk toward his mother.
By the end of the first month, taste and smell are developing and he will seek out his mother both for nourishment and for comfort. He'll start to make noises, wag his tail and nip his littermates.
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Snapshot
The puppy has mobility and confidence. His reflexes are almost fully developed and he has all the skills he needs to play and explore his small corner of the universe.
Physical
Puppy's sensory abilities have matured to adult level. He's dexterous and confident.
By the end of this month, the puppy will have his puppy or milk teeth - 28 needle point sharp teeth which he will eventually lose. His chewing in earnest has now begun.
Your puppy should have had his first set of vaccinations and anti-worming by the end of this month.
Behavior
Few things are more enjoyable than seeing a litter of puppies in this stage. They can move but don't have good judgment. Puppies climb on and over each year, engage in prolonged play fights and learn boundaries.
If a play bite turns too hard, a littermate may bite back harder or yelp which helps the puppy understand he's bitten too hard. The puppies may fight over new toys while they learn how to use them. Seeing a puppy watch for the first time a ball roll or a plush toy squeak is funny and endearing.
The puppy discovers that ears and tails are great places to latch onto when playing with a littermate. This is also the time when your puppy learns pack dominance. The puppies will sort out the pecking order of the litter and the more submissive ones will learn to let dominant puppies set the pace for their activities.
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Snapshot
Most puppies go to their new home between eight to twelve weeks of age. Federal law requires a puppy to be at least eight weeks old before he can be transported across state lines for sale.
No responsible breeder, however, will ship a puppy via air cargo or truck at that young age. A puppy should be 10-12 weeks old if he is being transported commercially. This is extremely stressful for the little guy and if you do get a puppy this way, have a vet examine him as soon as possible.
It's a good idea to spend a couple days with your puppy before you leave him alone to go to work or school, but don't overdo it. Don't be home with him every day for a month and then suddenly start leaving him alone during the day. He'll be overwhelmed and may exhibit severe anxiety in the form of destructive behavior.
Spend a couple days (like a three or four day weekend) getting him familiar with his new home while you start leaving him alone for longer and longer times.
Sleeping arrangements
Decide where you want your puppy to sleep and start him out that way from his first night. I like to have my dogs sleep in the master bedroom but in their own beds, not in my bed.
A puppy may whine during the night and may need to potty every couple hours. If you want to take him outside, listen for his whining or set an alarm clock. An alternative is to set up some puppy pads or litter box nearby if you don't want to go outside.
You can get a plush toy that makes a heartbeat sound or you could try a DAP diffuser that has a soothing smell to dogs. If your puppy starts whining, tell him everything will be fine but don't get up.
If your puppy sleeps in another room, you can leave the radio on with soothing music and give him a stuffed toy. Those should help him sleep.
Common problems
Two issues are common for puppies in this stage: worms and not eating.
About 99% of puppies have worms. That's why dewormers are given every two weeks until your puppy is about four months of age. It's best to let the vet give the dewormers, rather than use over the counter medications, until your puppy finishes this first series.
When that's done, you can start using a monthly dewormer to prevent heartworms, a potentially fatal disease. The best selling heartworm preventives are Heartgard Plus and Interceptor, both of which are tablets. Heartgard Plus also protects against hookworms and roundworms while Interceptor protects against hookworms, roundworms and whipworms.
In addition to dewormers, you'll need to give your puppy a monthly flea and tick preventive. These are topical products and your vet can recommend a good one for your puppy and show you how to apply it.
Often a
puppy moving to a new home will be so stressed, he will suffer an
outbreak of coccidia,
an intestinal infection. This typically is
something he picked up in the litter but the stress of his moving
causes it to activate. He may experience diarrhea, poor appetite,
vomiting and dehydration. In extreme, rare cases it can be fatal.
Your vet will give you some oral antibiotics for your puppy, and he should be cleared up within 10 days. Since the antibiotic is flavored, puppies are usually happy to have it.
Although your vet may warn you that this infection can be transmitted from puppy to human, that's a rare occurrence especially if you're washing your hands well after handling your puppy.
Eating issues
You may find your puppy refuses to eat. This could be due to stress or he may be a picky eater. In either event, you do not want your puppy to go without eating for more than one day. The longer he doesn't eat, the more stomach distress and gas buildup he develops. That make it even more difficult for him to eat because now his stomach is so upset.
The easiest way to get a puppy to put something in his stomach is with a product you buy at pet stores called Nutri-Cal Puppy. It's a high calorie product with a taste and smell that almost all puppies love. Give him a teaspoon or mix it in with his food.
Be sure to find out what brand the previous owner/breeder was feeding your puppy. If you want to change the brand, do it incrementally. Start with one-fourth new brand and three-fourths old brand. Gradually add increments until you're all new brand after 10 ten days.
Please understand that feeding your puppy a quality dog food designed for puppies (don't get an all life stages brand; a puppy's nutritional needs are different from a mature dog's) and manufactured in the USA is one of the easiest and best things you can do to ensure your puppy develops into a healthy adult.
Spend a few dollars more now to buy a good pet store product, not a cheap generic or grocery store product. I recommend only USA brands, not because I'm xenophobic, but because China and India do not have the same health and safety requirements for manufacture that the USA does.
Physical
By the end of the third month, very small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas, will have experienced their most rapid growth spurts.
Although puppies are born with blue eyes, by the end of this month your puppy should have his permanent eye color. In some breeds, blue eyes are associated with deafness. If your puppy can hear (he reacts when you come up behind him and clap loudly), you just have a dog with blue eyes.
In addition to blue eyes, an all white color is often associated with deafness while other breeds, such as Dalmatians and Jack Russell Terriers, are prone to deafness regardless of eye or coat color.
If blue eyes or a white coat are not normal for your breed or you suspect a hearing loss, have your vet do a test called Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BEAR) which is an accurate computer based test of canine hearing.
You can start housebreaking at this time but don't expect too much of the little fellow. At most, he'll be able to go three hours between potty breaks.
Behavior
Enjoy it. Your puppy will never be cuter or sweeter than months three and four.
This is a key time of puppy development and your first opportunity to really impact it in a positive way. A specific condition to be aware of is the 'fear period' that a puppy may experience at this time. Be gentle with your puppy. Loud noises, even yelling at him, will scare him and you could find that he avoids you.
Your puppy can learn his name, and you'll find he has a strong desire to please you.
Socialization
Once he's
ten weeks old, you should start introducing him to new people and new
experiences.
Some people use the guideline, 100 experiences in 100
days but no one really expects you to take a leave of absence to deal
with your puppy.
Do what you can. Find a busy store such as a Wal-Mart or local grocery store that has a bench outside. Sit there holding your puppy and let him see all types of people - age, race, gender, dress, strollers and wheelchairs. Let people pet him and tell him how cute he is.
Remember, he has not had all his shots yet so don't let him play with strange dogs. Keep him in your arms or lap and not on the floor when you visit a pet store or veterinarian (too many sick dogs there). Once he's had his shots, you can take him on a leash into a dog park, pet store and other busy places.
Be calm as he encounters new experiences, and he'll learn to deal calmly with them as well.
Environment
Small puppies start to learn how to avoid human feet. He'll be napping in the morning and afternoon. When he's awake, he'll want to explore his new surroundings. Let him sniff out the place.
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Snapshot
By the fourth month, your puppy will be exhibiting his own personality. He may no longer consider you the center of the universe and start to exert his own preferences. This period is sometimes referred to as the puppy version of the Terrible Twos.
If your puppy seems too independent or bossy, you'll need to enhance the bonding process. Attach a long lead to his collar or harness and then tie it to your wrist or waist. Make him follow you around for at least 20 minutes every day. Don't give him commands or make it a training session. This is simply an exercise in togetherness and a reminder to your dog that you are the pack leader and he is the follower.
Physical
He may start to lose his 28 puppy teeth in month four or five. He'll start to get this adult teeth and his sore gums will make him seek relief by chewing anything that crosses his path at mouth level.
You may notice some bleeding in his gums and loose teeth. While some puppies lose their puppy teeth in chew toys or bedding, many more swallow their teeth and you may not find any lost teeth.
Many puppies get relief from teething by sucking on ice cubes. You can freeze an ice cube tray with fat-free low-sodium chicken broth for an added treat.
There are chew toys designed for teething puppies or you can use a baby's teething ring. Place them in your freezer so they are nice and cold before you give them to your dog.
Most puppies will be able to hold off peeing for approximately four hours, and you can begin housebreaking in earnest during this month. By the end of this month, your puppy should be able to hold off peeing for up to five hours.
Your puppy will be sleeping 18 to 20 hours a day! Even as an adult, a dog typically sleeps 12 hours a day and some large breeds may sleep up to 16 hours a day.
His coat will be very soft and shouldn't be shedding much no matter what his breed. You'll notice that his muzzle is lengthening and his body is getting taller and longer.
He'll still exhibit some puppy clumsiness but his energy and enthusiasm are peaking. Try to teach him active games like fetch or hide-and-seek.
He should have finished his round of puppy vaccinations.
Remember that his bladder control is still developing. A common issue is excitement peeing when his favorite person (you) or guests enter his home. He'll outgrow this usually by the end of the sixth month.
In the meantime, warn your guests! Few people enjoying having puppy pee all over their clothes or shoes. When someone rings or knocks, put your puppy on a leash and make him Sit on a puppy pad or washable rug by the door. Don't let him jump up. That's why the leash.
Ask guests not to raise their voices or the pitch of their voices and to ignore the puppy for a minute or so. When he appears calm or has relieved himself, then guests can pet him or pick him up.
Behavior
His brain is now fully developed. As soon as his vaccinations are complete (usually after 16 weeks) and if your vet approves, start him in a puppy socialization or training class. He's old enough to remember and understand but still anxious to please his owner.
Expect him to demand your attention by jumping, barking and whining. In fact, at times you may feel you're dealing with spoiled little brat.
Don't be
surprised if he engages in the 'puppy frenzies' by running around the
house like a demented animal. He may practically bounce off the
walls! It's just a release of his innate
excitement.
In addition to any training commands you introduce (Sit, Stay, Down, etc), you should be helping him learn to control his spontaneity and to pay attention to you.
Take a
treat and place it near your eyes. Give the 'Focus'
command and make your dog
develop eye contact with you before he
gets the treat.
You'll start to see if you have a dominant or submissive puppy. If his vaccinations are complete, take him a dog park and see how he reacts to any other puppies.
A submissive puppy will recognize a dominant one and react by tucking his tail between his legs, lying on his side with a paw up or even lying on his back and exposing his belly.
The dominant puppy will engage in direct eye contact, hold his tail straight up and possibly put a paw on the submissive puppy.
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Snapshot
Cement your relationship with your puppy and ensure he understands that you are firmly in charge.
This is a key time when puppies can become fearful of just about anything and everything. If your puppy acts frighten, don't baby him. Remain calm and have him Sit so you can give him reassuring praise for being a Good Boy.
He still wants to be close to you, but his instinct at this age is telling him to challenge you. He is now entering his adolescence and unfortunately, will stay in adolescence for the next few months!
Neutering and Spaying
I personally think five months of age is the ideal time for neutering or spaying small and medium size dogs. Talk to your vet about it and of course, follow your vet's recommendation - not mine!
The disadvantage of neutering or spaying before five months is that you've removed your dog's natural source of testosterone and estrogen. You want your puppy to have the advantages of hormonal growth without the behavior problems that blossom in puberty.
If you got your puppy from a private shelter or rescue group, s/he may have been neutered or spayed as early as eight weeks of age. That is not really a medical decision but a practical one.
Shelters are overrun with abandoned dogs and rather than trust new owners to have their dogs fixed, the shelters provide it and do it early enough so that they can still adopt out a puppy.
If you got a large breed dog from a breeder, the breeder may recommend a delayed neutering, even as late as 12 months of age because large breed dogs may not reach their full body mass until two or three years of age.
Here's what
one Great Dane breeder says:
When males are
neutered too young, before their hormones are full tilt, they do not
gain the muscle that an adult male should have and look like a gangly
puppy their whole life.
The choice is yours but unless you have a reason to keep your puppy intact (you're going to show or breed him), almost everyone will recommend having your puppy fixed before s/he reaches sexual maturity which varies by breed and size. Talk to your vet.