What steps do I need to take to ensure my puppy is properly socialized?
For most puppies, the time between four and twelve weeks of age is when it is imperative to socialize. That is when your new family member is the most impressionable. During this time, if the puppy has positive encounters with various things like other animals, children and adult men and women then usually the dog will be fine with these things throughout their life. Also, negative experiences can also stay with a dog for life – so that is important to remember too.
It is imperative that you expose your puppy to as many positive interactions as possible during this time period. Take puppy to places where there will be lots of people or noises to acclimate them to loud situations. You can also consider puppy classes where they will be exposed to new environments too.
Why do puppies chew so much?
All puppies chew – it is normal. Puppies begin to lose their teeth around 4 months old and then the adult teeth begin to emerge around 6 months old. Your puppy chews things to help with the lose of baby teeth and the incoming adult teeth.
Ensure that you have acceptable toys for your puppy to chew and that you entice your new family member to chew these toys. Be careful to avoid toys that are too hard as it can break the baby teeth.
What is this puppy breath and hiccups?
Puppy breath! We all have experienced this puppy breath smell. It is normal for puppies to have an order that is caused by teething. It will only last a couple of months – so enjoy it while you can! Puppies also seem to get hiccups often and can last for minutes. This is also normal and usually subsides.
Welcome to the family puppy! Your new family is so happy to love you.
