I’m often asked, “Is there such a thing as TOO much exercise for a puppy?” I feel that as long as you are careful and attentive to your puppy, the puppy is the best one to tell you what too much exercise is. Puppies often do not have enough muscle tone to take long runs, but there are always exceptions. Most puppies will tell you when they have hit their limit, and it is vital to resist pushing them beyond this point.

Some Things to Be Cautious About

Dangers of Over-Exercising Puppies

Your puppy is growing just like a human child, and its bones need time to mature. Over-exercising them during the puppy phase could damage growth plates, leading to conditions such as early onset arthritis or hip dysplasia. If you are too hot, assume your puppy is hot. Provide water to your puppy, or try to run in a cooler area to avoid overheating.

Be Consistent with Exercising Puppy

The weekend marathon after a week of couch potato life is very hard on the joints. Just like humans, daily exercise is essential for puppies, and they need physical activity to stay healthy and help them grow strong muscles and bones.

Be Cautious with Your Puppy's Feet

Running on cement (especially hot cement) can cause sloughing of the foot pads, so try to have breaks on softer surfaces or at least work your puppy up to the harder surfaces to give them a chance to form the necessary calluses.

Be Aware of Your Puppy's Limits

Until you understand your puppy’s stamina, be sure that you can stop when your puppy starts to lag. That means taking the short route five times instead of the long way once. If you feel that the furry friend cannot go as far as he should, consult a vet to see if there is a health reason for the intolerance.

How Much Exercise Is Appropriate for Puppies?

Watch for any signs that they’re tired, like barely moving or walking at slower speeds than usual. It is essential to regulate your puppy’s activity level from the start. You can do this by ensuring they’re not over-exercised or taxed in any way, leading them towards joint damage later on down the road. Puppies are naturally excited and rarely show signs of fatigue, so you must be giving them plenty of rest time.

Breed Type

If you have a breed that’s at risk for joint conditions such as hip dysplasia, it is important to exercise them wisely and sensibly. Discourage them from jumping up and skidding because it puts a lot of strain on the puppy’s joints.

Breed Size

Make sure you know roughly how long your pup will be growing before they reach their full size because until then, their joints and growth plates risk damage if given too much exercise! Most dogs are fully developed by one year, but larger breeds such as Greyhounds and Great Danes may take 18 months to two years before they reach full size.

Examples of Exercises for Puppies

If you want your puppy to be healthy and happy, they need to have not only good physical fitness but also mental health. Here are some examples of ways to get your furry friend moving.

Walks

Walks are an excellent way for you and your pup to get some exercise, but puppies must be fully vaccinated before starting. Walking with your puppy allows them to explore their surroundings, smells, and sounds. When building their walking stamina, always take it easy on the pup and stop if they begin to lag. Make sure that they have enough energy left to make it home.

Mental Exercise

Just as a dog needs to exercise its body, it also requires mental stimulation. Snuffle mats, and puzzle feeders are a great way to stimulate your pup mentally and keep them occupied.

Play!

The best way to keep your pup happy and healthy is by playing with them inside and out! Remember that they need plenty of rest, so don’t overdo it. Wrestling, romping, chasing, and tugging are all engaging ways to play with your pup.

Train

Keeping your pup’s mind active and stimulated is vital to stay happy. Teaching your furry friend some basic commands will keep their brains working and give you something new that the two of you can explore! Keep training sessions short and allow time for plenty of rest.

Run, Run, Run

It’s perfectly fine to allow your puppy to run freely around your home at their own pace. However, they should not go on a run with you since their bones are still developing.

How to Safely Exercise a Puppy Before Fully Vaccinated

Keeping your puppy vaccinated and off the ground in public places is important – here are some tips for keeping them occupied while you wait.

• Use a puzzle feeder or a feeder toy.
• Play at home, either indoors or outdoors.
• Invite a small group of friends to come interact with your puppy at your home.
• When in public places, carry them.
• Begin teaching and training basic commands.
• Have doggy playdates at your home with pups that are fully vaccinated.
• Introduce your puppy to the car and get them used to riding in a travel cage or wearing a seatbelt.

Puppy Exercise Safety Tips

Keeping your puppy vaccinated and off the ground in public places is important – here are some tips for keeping them occupied while you wait.

• Walks should be short (taking multiple breaks) and avoid hikes, running, and cycling until they are fully grown.
• Jumps, twists, and skids are high-impact exercises that can cause joint strain, so limit these actions.
• Teach your puppy how to walk on a leash.
• Allow the puppy to rest and keep exercise sessions short.
• To protect their joints, cover slippery surfaces in your home.
• Increase the length of the walk gradually.
• Aim for three exercise sessions per day. One can be a game of hide-and-seek in the house, and the other can be short walks.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

If you are concerned about your puppy’s health and fitness level or notice lameness, we recommend reaching out to your vet. The doctor will examine your puppy to determine joint issues. You could be exercising your pup too much and need to rest more.

How do you exercise your puppy beyond the walk?

The post Puppies And Exercise: How Much Is Too Much? appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Picking a dog is a huge decision. Since you’ll be spending the next decade or more together, you need as close to a perfect fit as you can get. So much has been written about the energy and temperament aspects of this decision, but the question I’m most often asked is, “What is the healthiest breed?” And my answer to that question is always the same: It isn’t a breed but simply a 30-pound brown mutt.

Do Your Research

When you’re thinking about bringing a new puppy into your home, it’s essential to do your research and learn about the different dogs available. Each breed has its unique characteristics, and some may be a better fit for your lifestyle than others. For example, certain dogs require more exercise than others, and some breeds are more prone to specific health conditions. It’s also important to consider the level of care you can provide. Some pups need daily grooming, while others only need to be brushed once or twice a week. By learning about the different dog breeds, you can find the perfect match for you and your family.

Expensive Designer Breeds

Attempts to bridge the gap between purebred looks, predictability, and mutt health—and come up with something completely new—have resulted in “designer breeds.” These are the Puggles, Labradoodles, Maltipoos, and the like. They’ve intentionally created mixes that, while not purebred, can still maintain some of the expected traits we look for and have some of the advantages of hybrid vigor. These dogs, as a rule, do seem to me to be healthier than some of the pure breeds, but they can be expensive, especially when compared with a mixed breed from a rescue or a shelter.

Mixed Breeds

Because of what’s known as “hybrid vigor,” the midsize mixed pup is, on average, the healthiest dog. Hybrid vigor derives from the idea that the more breeds in a dog’s genetic mix, the less likely it is that the genetic problems of purebreds will manifest themselves. Of course, there are healthy purebreds and very unhealthy mixes, but if you want to go with the odds, pick the mix every time.

Characteristics of a Healthy Puppy

When the time comes to add a new furry family member, many people turn to puppies. However, before you run out and buy the first one you see, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some aspects to look for when buying a puppy.

• Eyes: Should be clear and bright. If you notice any discharge, be sure to contact the veterinarian immediately.
• Coat: It should be clean and lustrous.
• Weight: Make sure the puppy's weight is on track, not over or underweight. Supplements are not needed if your dog maintains a balanced diet.
• Mouth: The puppy's mouth should be fresh, pink, and free of tartar or plaque. There should be no sores or growths on the mouth and lips.
• Ears: Pups with dirty ears may experience pain and hearing loss. To avoid this, make sure the ears are clean & free of discharge or odor.
• Nose: There should be no sores or discharge from the pup's nose, and it should be clean.

Places to Purchase a Healthy Puppy

Purchasing a puppy is a big decision, and there are several factors to consider before bringing a new furry friend into your home. One of the most critical decisions is choosing where to purchase your puppy. There are three main options: breeders, shelters, and online retailers. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to visit multiple places before deciding.

Adoption

Adopting a rescue puppy is one of the best things you’ll ever do. Your local animal shelter or rescue organization can help match your family with the perfect pet in no time! You have options for every type and breed, too – there are even designer dogs like Labradoodles. However, shelter pups may come with behavioral issues from their previous homes, so be prepared to do some extra training.

Responsible Breeder

Breeders are an excellent option if you have your heart set on a specific breed of dog, and they can help you find a puppy that matches your lifestyle and personality. However, breeders can be expensive, and it’s essential to visit several different ones to find one that is reputable and produces healthy puppies.

Places NOT to Purchase a Puppy

Pets can provide companionship, love, and security in our lives. However, before you head out to your local pet store or breeder to pick up your new best friend, it’s vital to do your research and find a trustworthy source for your pet. Contrary to popular belief, not all pet stores and breeders are created equal – some are responsible and humane while others prioritize profits over the welfare of their animals. So, where should you NOT purchase a puppy? Keep reading for a few places you should avoid!

Puppy Mill

You might think buying an animal from these places will help and that you are “rescuing a puppy,” but all the money goes back into their owner’s pocket- they won’t stop breeding! If you see someone keeping dogs in conditions akin to cages or kennels with little space for movement (or even just outdoors), alerting local authorities is better than purchasing one outright.

Pet Store

When someone purchases a pup from the pet store, the establishment receives revenue (which, in turn, goes right to a puppy mill). This patronage encourages them to continue selling puppies because every time someone buys one, it ensures there’ll be demand for yet MORE.

Online Retailers

The internet is a vast, expansive place with many hidden dangers. People looking to buy pets online should be aware that there’s no way to know what kind or where their purchase will come from – and some websites can even scam you out of money!

Ask Questions

Before you decide to purchase a puppy, it’s essential to ensure that it’s the right fit for you and your family. Dogs are a big commitment, and you need to be prepared to care for them for the next 10-15 years. That means providing them with food, shelter, exercise, and love. It’s also important to ask questions about the dog’s health background. By asking these questions, you can ensure that you’re prepared to provide the best possible care for your new puppy.

Questions To Ask the Breeder or Shelter

• What is the Dog’s Health Status?

  You should know what veterinary care your new pup has received from the shelter or rescue. For example, are their vaccinations up-to-date, and have they been spayed (or neutered)? Ask for copies of records; think long-term, too–ask about known health conditions that may affect cost and compatibility, then consider whether it is worth adopting.

• Where Did the Dog Come From?

  There are many reasons why dogs end up in shelters and rescues. For instance, some may have been picked up as strays while others can be found through surrendering or buying from shady breeders! The more knowledge you have on the pup’s background will help give insight into whether or not the dog will work for you and your family.

• What Breed or Mix of Breeds is the Dog?

  Many rescues specialize in purebred dogs if you’re looking for a specific breed. However, mixed breeds can be wonderful companions too! Either way, knowing the type of dog will help predict their personality and meet needs better- so take this into account when picking out your new best friend.

Commonly Asked Questions About Picking a Healthy Puppy

Should the Puppy Be Vaccinated Before I Buy It?

A responsible breeder will have the puppies vaccinated before you are scheduled to bring them home.

Do I Need a Receipt When Purchasing a Pup?

Yes, please keep all paperwork given to you the day you buy your puppy. This is confirmation that you own your furry friend.

Is It Normal for a Breeder To Ask For a Deposit?

It can be hard to know what breeder you can trust. Going by word of mouth is usually recommended. They might ask for an initial deposit before they’ll even let you on their list, but this isn’t always the case. Before giving over your money, make sure that the details of any agreement are precise and check whether or not these pups have been born yet.

How Can I Spot an Online Scam?

• They will only communicate by email, and are likely outside of the US and are trying to hide their phone number. A reputable breeder will talk on the phone or even video chat.
• The photos used in their ad are stock photos. You can search the text listed to see if the image has been used somewhere else.
• If the price sounds too good to be true, they are likely looking to scam you. Do your research and find the average price you should expect to pay, especially for purebreds.
• If the seller asks you to pay in a strange way, such as through wire transfers or gift cards. Credit cards and Paypal are the safest options. We do not suggest paying with Venmo, as getting your money back if necessary can be more complicated.

The post How To Pick A Healthy Puppy appeared first on Cesar's Way.

The day has finally arrived: Your new bundle of fur is coming home! After a long search, you found the right puppy for you and your family — and now the preparation begins.

As a responsible pet lover, you will need to provide a safe environment for this little puppy. Preparing your home and yard for the new family member is similar to doing so for a curious toddler — you want to eliminate all dangers. Your pup will want to investigate every electrical cord, every closet, and every rut in the yard, and he won’t distinguish between your favorite pair of shoes and his chew toy. It’s up to you to make sure your dog (and your stuff!) will be safe from those puppy temptations.

Before your puppy comes home, walk through your house from room to room, keeping an eye out for these possible hazards. 

Puppy Proofing Checklist

• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Bedroom
• Living Areas
• Office
• Garage
• Yard

How to Puppy Proof Your Kitchen

The kitchen contains all sorts of interesting drawers, cabinets, and cords, not to mention smells and tastes. If he can get into a cabinet or drawer, your puppy will explore everything inside. Childproof latches, which can be found at your local hardware store, prevent curious pups from investigating while keeping potentially dangerous foods and cleaning supplies out of reach.

Power cords look like fun chew toys to a teething puppy. Tucking them out of reach, blocking them, or enclosing them in a chew-proof PVC tube will divert your dog’s attention.

A sometimes overlooked item in the kitchen is the stove. Some models have knobs located on the front of the appliance, which large dogs can easily reach. Another area of concern is food prep. Be quick to clean messes left on

How to Puppy Proof Your Bathroom

The bathroom can be a dangerous place for a puppy, too. Razors, pills, cotton swabs, and soap left within your dog’s reach can be easily ingested — which can mean an emergency visit to your veterinarian. Family members need to be conscientious about cleaning up after themselves in the bathroom. Put shampoos, soap, tissues, and accessories out of reach or inside a cabinet or drawer.

Especially while your pup is young, keep the toilet lid down at all times, or keep the bathroom door closed. A curious small dog could jump into the bowl and drown. In addition, use a trash can with a locking lid or stash it under the sink. Also, install childproof latches on the drawers and cabinets, and be sure to tuck dangling cords away, out of your pup’s reach.

How to Puppy Proof Your Bedroom

Dogs are scent-oriented, so they gravitate toward anything that smells like you. Shoes, slippers, and clothing will quickly become toys if you don’t safeguard such items behind a closed closet door. Keep clothing picked up, store shoes out of reach, and put laundry in a tall, closed hamper. Store jewelry, hair ties, coins, and other small ingestible items in containers or drawers, and secure any exposed cords or wires. Pretty much anything you do not want your pup to chew on needs to be put away. Many dogs like to den under the bed or wedge themselves behind furniture, so put up temporary blockades to prevent your puppy from hiding where she shouldn’t.

Perfumes, aftershave, and other similar items contain ethanol, a toxic ingredient for canines. Keep these products on an out-of-reach shelf or behind closed doors.

How to Puppy Proof Your Living Areas

Whether a living room or family room, these cozy gathering places often have pillows, shoes, magazines, iPods — all kinds of things that could tempt a curious and teething puppy.
Stay vigilant about straightening up and putting away clutter, especially in those areas where you and your family spend the most time. Put loose items away, stow pillows and blankets in decorative bins, and keep cords and wires out of puppy’s reach.

Houseplants are another area you need to pay close attention to as you get your living or dining room ready for a puppy. Many plants are toxic to dogs and will need to be moved to a secure location or possibly re-homed. Even dog-safe plants will be a temptation for them to dig in the soil, leaving a big mess for you to clean.

How to Puppy Proof Your Office

Your puppy may be drawn by all sorts of temptations in your office: papers, magazines, cords, wires, paperclips, rubber bands, and staples. These items may be fun to play with, but they can be fatal if chewed or swallowed. As with the rest of the house, pick up strewn office supplies, secure or enclose cords and wires, and keep decorative items well out of your pup’s reach.

Keep plants on a shelf or counter if possible. If not, consider putting them in a spare room and keeping the door closed until your furry friend has graduated from his curious puppy stage.

How to Puppy Proof Your Garage and Yard

When you look around your garage and yard, you’ll see many obvious and not-so-obvious dangers to your puppy. Paint, cleaners, insecticides, rat and rodent poison, snail poison, fertilizers, antifreeze, and gasoline represent a handful of toxins and chemicals that you may have in your garage or outdoor shed. Antifreeze, for example, has a sweet taste that attracts animals, but it can be deadly if ingested, even in small amounts. Secure all bottles, boxes, and containers of these substances inside a locked cabinet, or store them on high shelves that your pup can’t reach. Your best course of action may be to make sure your pup is never allowed in the garage.

Store tools and power equipment in a cabinet or shelf that the puppy cannot reach. These items can be a temptation for chewing and ruining their effectiveness.

Some plants, such as daffodils, foxglove, bird-of-paradise, and lupine, can be poisonous to your dog and cause varied reactions, ranging from a rash to vomiting and diarrhea. You can find a list of the most commonly encountered toxic plants at the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center website.

Better Safe than Sorry!

By taking some time to puppy-proof your house (and keep it puppy-proofed!), you’ll give your new pet a good start with his new family. As he gets older, passes through his developmental phases, and learns basic obedience and manners, you won’t need to be so vigilant with your pick-up routine. Until then, however, it’s better to be safe than sorry! You can find many puppy safety items to purchase to make this process easier for you. Most times, simply moving objects out of reach or to another room with the door closed will solve most safety concerns. 

Commonly Asked Puppy Proofing Questions

How Do I Puppy Proof Electrical Cords?

Depending on your pup, simply tucking and hiding cords behind or under furniture will work just fine. Attach cords with zip-ties to the legs of tables or desks. Another option is to run cables under rugs or along with door frames and attach them with clips to keep them in place. Be mindful of wrapping up excess cords and binding with a cord winder. For smaller or persistent puppies, there are braided wire cord keepers.

How Do I Block my Bed So My Puppy Doesn’t Get Stuck Under it?

The most effective way to stop the dog from going under beds is positive reinforcement to correct the behavior. Offer a treat when you call him out from underneath. Of course, you can stuff items under that are secure enough that your pup cannot move them. There are various blockade products on the market to choose from if you want to go that route.

What if My Dog Ingests Pills?

It’s essential to keep all your medications and pills in a safe place, but it’s understandable that sometimes accidents happen or sometimes puppies are persistent. The most dangerous medicines your furry friend could swallow are aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, Xanax, Ambien, beta-blockers, Adderall, and ACE inhibitors. Call your veterinarian or poison control right away if you’re suspicious that a pill was ingested.

Should I Lock My Trash Can?

Dogs have a strong sense of smell, and the kitchen trash can has all sorts of enticing scents that draw it to investigate. Spoiled food, plastic containers, bones, and other potentially hazardous items threaten to injure or cause serious illnesses. Boredom, hunger, anxiety, or straight-up good-smelling food waste will entice your pup in the kitchen. Some pet owners have their wastebasket stored under a kitchen sink with a lock on the door. Choose the best option for your home that will keep your furry friend safe.

The post Puppy Proofing Basics appeared first on Cesar's Way.

The Beginning: Looking for a New Puppy

When you first start thinking about getting a new dog, you often think of the kid’s benefits first. Many kids love to play with dogs and have a special connection with them. So, do your best to involve your child in the process of looking for a new puppy, whether it’s online or in person.

When searching, keep in mind the needs of you and your family. It may be beneficial to pick out a few options and begin your research on the breed’s personality or how well they interact with children in general.

A dog may catch their eye that they wish they could take with them to their new home, so research the background of your preferred breeds before going to visit.

After all, you want everyone in the family to be happy and fulfilling the kid’s wish to adopt a certain dog breed can make them feel very special.

Setting The House Rules

Before meeting your new friend, make sure you have house rules established that every member of the family understands. Just as you will train your dog, you should teach your child the rules of having a new dog in the house.

Be sure to discuss other kid topics, like needing to be careful, no teasing, and how to respect the family pet.

Here are some suggestions:

• Instead of ‘no shouting around the dog’ the rule could be ‘quiet voices only around the dog’s and keep a calm & assertive energy.
• Rather than telling your child to never poke, squeeze or pull at the puppy, tell them to pet the dog gently and only stroke the dog when the dog comes to them. This will teach the child to respect boundaries and bring more trust to your dog.
• When the dog is sleeping it’s time for us to get some long-awaited child activities done! Children can sometimes feel entitled to places where their dog does not want them; teaching children that these are no-go zones and giving your dog a safe place to relax is important for everyone’s safety.

The First Meeting

Once you’ve found a few options and have gotten your child’s input, it is important to visit the dogs you are interested in before you commit to getting it. Not all rescue dogs will work well for kids, so it’s important to find out about the dog’s personality and energy level.

If your kid has never had much direct contact with dogs, he or she may be intimidated and need some help when first meeting a potential puppy. Be sure to guide them in a slow approach and let the dog come to them. This will enable your dog to meet them on their own terms and is a great way to form a strong bond of trust between the two, from the beginning.

Now is a good time to bring up things like “don’t get too close, don’t look them in the eyes, and don’t pet without asking” if your kid isn’t familiar with dog body language.

If you notice any sign of fear or nervousness on your child’s part, end the meeting. This shouldn’t be a time to push the kid to overcome their fear. This is a time for your kid to get accustomed and comfortable with a potential new member of the family.

10 Steps for Bringing Your New Puppy Home

After doing your research and visiting some puppies, you’re finally prepared to take your new family member home! Be sure to follow these tips:

1. Until you’re sure that the puppy and the child know how to behave around each other, you should always be present. Stay in the background, but be observant and ready to step in if a situation looks like it’s going wrong.
2. Let the puppy nose his way to the kids, not the other way around. This can be very hard for children to understand. They can get excited when they see a dog and want to rush up and start petting it — which can provoke a reaction from the dog.
3. Teach your children that dogs have zones of space that should be respected. There’s a public zone, a social zone, and an intimate zone. You should not be in the intimate zone unless the dog has indicated that it’s okay with that.
4. Study and teach your children about canine’s body language. Like you, your child should know to stop playing if she sees signs of dominance.
5. Encourage patience. Between eight and ten weeks, a new puppy is in what’s called a fearful period as he explores the world. Combine that with the fact that both children and puppies are easily excited, and the result can be misunderstandings that place both on the defensive. Slow, patient interactions leave room for everyone to learn what behavior feels fun and safe.

More Information on puppy growth!

6. Model the way that you want your kids to approach their pup. Once they learn this at home, they’ll understand the safe way to approach other dogs, too.
7. Include the kids on your walks. Your child will help you teach the puppy to obey and follow your and your child’s lead. These early lessons will nurture and strengthen a healthy owner-dog relationship as both child and puppy mature.
8. Have your kids help you take care of the puppy. Having a dog is a great way to set rules for your children and teach them about responsibilities. Depending on the age of your kids, they should be able — and expected — to walk the puppy, feed him, and clean up after him.
9. Kids can take part in training. Both children and puppies learn by doing. One easy lesson is to clap gently for the dog to come. This is a personality test that trainers use to judge a dog’s temperament. But it’s also a nice introduction to the idea that he’s expected to come when called. A puppy that comes running right away is likely more dominant. One who’s initially shy but then accepts affection has a gentler disposition toward humans.
10. Let kids teach your puppy to fetch. Crumple up a piece of paper, wiggle it in front of the puppy, and then gently toss it a few feet away. Your pup should go sniff the paper, and he may return it to the thrower after a time.

Benefits of Taking Care of a Dog

There are countless benefits to owning a dog and many hands-on activities will school your child on valuable lessons in responsibility.

Key benefits for your child:

• Taking care or helping care for a puppy will increase empathy in children as well as their understanding of the cycle of life.
• Puppies provide endless opportunities to exercise and play, not to mention a best friend for your child.
• Studies show that children who have a furry friend take fewer days off school due to sickness.
• Children with chronic illnesses are often able to cope better with their treatments when they have a canine companion.
• In general, pets at a young age will help children learn to respect all types of animals.

Key benefits for you:

• Owning a dog can help you stay healthy and strong, by keeping your immune system resilient.
• Dogs provide not only a sense of emotional wellbeing, but also companionship for those who live alone.
• Owning a dog can help people to recover from trauma or depression, such as a loss of loved one or PTSD.
• Dogs are also a great way to meet new people, and make new friends.
• Puppies can build a family’s bond by bringing people together, which teaches teamwork and cooperation.

It is almost impossible to feel bored and lonely when you have a puppy!

More information on children and puppies!

What’s your pack like? How many dogs and kids? Do you have other pets? Share it with us in the comments.

The post Introducing Kids To A New Puppy appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Watch now!

The post How To Housetrain Your Puppy appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Some of us, when we think of a puppy, imagine an adorably tiny dog that can barely open his eyes stumbling around as he explores the world. Others see a whirlwind of doggy energy that can’t keep still for a second because there are too many balls to chase, scents to smell, and things to pee on… and then roll in.

There are two reasons for this discrepancy:

• Puppyhood isn’t something that lasts just a few weeks. Dogs don’t become adults until sometime between 1 and 2 years of age.

• Despite the fact that they go through a number of stages of growth and development, we tend to consider dogs either puppies or adults.

So what are the stages of puppy growth and development? Depending on what methodology you want to follow, there are anywhere from 5 to 7 stages of puppyhood that start at birth and end when your dog reaches adulthood. To keep things simple, we’re going to stick with five.

Neonatal period (0 to 2 weeks)

Puppies can touch and taste at birth, but that’s about it. During this period, they are going to be most influenced by their mother (or mother surrogate) and littermates, and will start learning some simple social skills, coordination, and the ranking process. Mostly, they’ll just eat — newborns need to have milk from mom or a commercial milk replacer about every two hours.

Transitional Period (2 to 4 weeks)

Their eyes open, they stand and walk, their sense of smell and hearing develops, they wag their tail, teeth start coming in, and they’ll even start to bark. By the end of this period, they should be able to use the bathroom on their own and see quite well on their own.

Socialization Period (4 to 12 weeks)

This is the stage and timeframe where it’s incredibly important to introduce your pup to other people and dogs. By five weeks, puppies are aware of their surroundings and start really enjoying playtime. Good experiences with people from weeks 5 to 7 will play a large role in how they continue to interact.But even though they’ll start being influenced by people after about a month, ideally you want puppies to remain with their mother and litter mates for eight weeks to learn inhibited play biting and other dog socialization cues.By week seven, you may be able to start house-training your puppy. From weeks 8 to 10, your pup will go through a normal “fear” period that can be helped with training that is positive and encouraging. But the true training “golden time” is from 9 to 12 weeks, because your pup is actively working on social skills and paying attention to both people and litter mates.

Ranking Period (3 to 6 months)

Think about this period as “elementary school age.” Just like human children, dogs at this point are most influenced by their playmates — both dogs and people. During this stage, your pup will begin to understand and use ranking in terms of submission and dominance.Teething and related chewing (and chewing issues!) happen around this time, and when the puppy is about four months old, she’ll go through another fear stage.

Adolescence (6 to 18 months)

Your pup now understands that he has a pack (which may consist of both humans and dogs) and his behavior will be most influenced by this group. You can expect your dog to challenge you more as he explores dominance and his role in the pack.Dogs that aren’t spayed or neutered will also start exhibiting sexual behavior during this period, and a second chewing stage will likely begin somewhere between 7 to 9 months.

By knowing what to expect and at which times, you can better prepare yourself to deal with specific behaviors so you handle them in a way that is both positive and encourages the kind of behavior you want.

Post a photo of your puppy in the comments. Cesar loves to see photos of his fans’ dogs.

The post The Stages Of Puppy Growth appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Puppies begin biting very early on in life. Just like human babies, it is common for them to chew on objects during the teething stage to reduce discomfort. Furthermore, many dogs prefer using their mouths rather than their paws for manipulating objects. Once again, this behavior begins in puppyhood as young pooches start to explore their world.

Puppy biting may be cute at the beginning, but as your pup grows, these little nips can turn into painful bites. A puppy’s teeth are very sharp, and dogs often don’t know how hard they’re biting. Thus, the puppy-raising experience will generally include that one moment when Fido playfully bites down on a finger and draws blood.

Needless to say, this is not a behavior we humans want to have continue, especially not into adulthood. Want to learn how to get a puppy to stop biting? Here are the steps to take to stop puppy nipping.

Inhibit the Biting

The first step for how to get your puppy to stop biting is to inhibit the behavior. It is totally normal for puppies to mouth each other when they play. This mouthing, however, can quickly turn into a bite. When it does, the puppy on the receiving end will yelp, and this sound startles the puppy doing the biting, thus making him release.

Humans can exploit this behavior to stop puppy nipping and teach your pup how much mouthing is acceptable. When a puppy latches onto your hand or finger too hard, let your hand go limp and imitate that yelping sound. When the puppy releases, ignore her for 10 to 20 seconds and then resume play.

It’s important to remember, though, not to pull away from the bite. This can trigger your puppy’s chase instinct and make the problem worse. If the yelp doesn’t work or you’d prefer not to make that sound, you can substitute a loud “Ow!” or use other verbal deterrents.

Don’t repeat the limp and yelp process more than three times in 15 minutes. If you come to this point, it’s time for a puppy timeout.

The goal here is to teach the puppy that gentle play continues and rough play stops. Once you’ve inhibited the hard bites, repeat this teaching process with more moderate bites. Eventually, you should be able to teach her that mouthing without biting down is OK but that anything more than that is not.

Redirect

If you’d like to teach your puppy that her mouth on human skin is not acceptable at all, you’ll most likely want to use the redirection method. For this method on how to make a puppy stop biting, each time the puppy tries to mouth you, pull your hand away before contact and promptly provide a treat or wave around a chewy toy for him to bite on instead.

You can also satisfy your puppy’s urge to mouth things with noncontact games such as fetch or tug-of-war. Keep in mind, however, to never let the tugging become too aggressive. You’ll want to teach your puppy the commands “let go” or “leave it” so that you can always remove something from his mouth without the response of aggressive puppy biting.

Distraction

In addition to mouthing people, puppies will also mouth things in their environment. This is mostly done out of curiosity. There are many ways to teach your dog not to chew on house furnishings. Besides puppy-proofing your home, be sure to provide an assortment of interesting and safe chew toys for your pup to play with. These toys should be chosen for your puppy’s level of chewing and destructiveness. For example, if she shreds a plush toy in 2 minutes, you may want to stick toys made of rubber or hard plastic.

Hide-the-treat toys are also great for distracting puppies from nibbling on other things. This type of toy not only distracts your pup but also provides mental stimulation as she tries to figure out how to get to the reward.

A final option for distracting your pup is to arrange a playtime for your dog with other puppies or vaccinated adult dogs. Not only will this help to socialize her with other dogs, but those dogs will also assist in the process of teaching your puppy when a bite is too hard.

Deterrence

There are various products designed to prevent a dog from licking or chewing objects in the house. These products include Bitter Apple, Bitter Cherry and YUCK No Chew Spray. As you have probably guessed, these products will put an unpleasant taste in your puppy’s mouth each time she chews on furniture or other objects in the house. With that being said, this method of stopping puppy biting is not as simple as spraying your belongings with these products. There are two very important steps involved in using them for training.

The first step is to associate the smell and taste in your dog’s mind so that the scent alone will keep him away from unacceptable chewing targets. To do this, put a little bit of the product on a tissue or cotton ball and gently put it in your puppy’s mouth. He should spit it out right away. After he spits it out, let him smell it so that he makes the association.

The second step comes in handy when you’re actively using the product for training. For the second step to work, make sure your dog doesn’t have access to water for up to an hour (but no longer) after contact with the product. This may sound cruel, but if your dog learns that he can just run to his bowl and get rid of the taste, the deterrent will become ineffective.

During the training process, place the product once a day on any objects you don’t want him to lick or chew. Continue doing this for the next two to four weeks until your puppy has stopped chewing your belongings.

Ankle Biters

Puppy biting doesn’t always happen during playtime. Many dogs become fascinated with nipping at people’s feet or ankles as they walk. This is particularly true for herding breeds. To teach your puppy to stop nipping at your heels, keep a favorite toy in your pocket. When she bites at your heels, immediately stop moving and wave the toy around to distract her until she latches onto it.

Another method is to stop moving when she bites, and then, when she releases on her own, offer her the toy or a treat. Always praise your puppy when she releases from nipping at your heel. The idea is to teach your dog that good things happen when bad behavior stops.

Puppy nipping and biting are natural behaviors for puppies but unwanted in adult dogs. Remember, a large majority of dogs surrendered to shelters by their owners are between 18 months and 2 years of age—the point at which “cute” puppy behavior becomes frustrating to the owner. Taking these few simple steps now will help prevent that bad behavior down the line and allow you to have a stress-free lifelong relationship when that little bundle of fur grows up.

Looking for another method for how to keep a puppy from biting? The Wodifer Dog Toothbrush Dog Dental Brushing Stick is a great product I recommend for not only teething but also cleaning!

The post How to Get a Puppy to Stop Biting appeared first on Cesar's Way.

She’s an Australian shepherd/great pyrenees/golden retriever mix. I keep reading mixed things about feeding them twice or three times a day. Which do you recommend?

And if it is three times a day, given that she’s almost three months old, how much would you feed her each time? I have an appointment with a vet on that Friday, but wanted to ask you what you thought, hoping to get an answer before I pick her up.

Thanks so much in advance! I’m really excited to take on this challenge, But it’s also a little nerve-wrecking to not know how much to feed her exactly?
-Michele Solano

Read Dr. Kristy Conn’s Advice:

Congratulations on your newest four-legged addition to your family. I understand the excitement and trepidation that comes with bringing home a furry ball of joy. You want to do right by her and that includes making sure she is getting the correct amount of nutrition. This is a popular time of year for bringing home puppies so I’d like to take the opportunity to review basic puppy feeding guidelines for the first year of life while covering your question which may also answer any future questions you or other readers may have.

First 6 to 8 Weeks

During the first six to eight weeks of life the puppy should stay with the mother and be allowed to nurse ad-lib. It is especially important they nurse from the mother. The mother’s milk provides the best nutrition and provides antibodies to help protect your puppy from disease. Sometimes it is not possible to keep a puppy with the mother for the first eight weeks such as when the mother develops eclampsia or mastitis. In these situations milk replacers and bottles especially designed for puppies can be found at any major pet store.

Weaning Your Puppy to Solid Food

Weaning your puppy to solid food should not be an overnight endeavor but should ideally take place over the course of two to three weeks. First select the brand of puppy food you intend to feed. Puppies have high caloric and nutritional needs and so the food selected should be a high quality brand of puppy food. Talk to your veterinarian for specific recommendations but generally the best puppy foods will be a good source of protein, calcium and calories.

Starting around four to six weeks of age begin introducing your puppy to puppy food by making a gruel by blending the puppy food with milk replacer. Offer the gruel three to four times a day gradually reducing the amount of milk replaced used to make the gruel. This way your puppy gradually learns to adapt to solid food and gastric upset is minimized. By around eight weeks of age your puppy should be eating solid food.

How Often to Feed Your Pup

Puppies should be fed three to four times a day therefore if you are currently feeding ¾ a cup of puppy food twice a day you should consider spacing it out by feeding ½ cup three times a day.

Smaller meals are easier to digest for the puppy and energy levels don’t peak and fall so much with frequent meals. At around six months you may start feeding twice a day for convenience but because your dog is a mixed large breed dog I would recommend sticking with a 3-4 times a day feeding schedule if possible to minimize the risk of gastric dilatation volvulus.

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula - 34 lb. Bag (Packaging May...

• One (1) 34 lb. Bag - Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula
• Formulated to support an appropriate growth rate for large breed puppies
• Glucosamine supports developing joints and cartilage

View on Amazon

Move on From Puppy Food

Puppy food is very high in calories and nutritional supplements so you want to switch to adult food once your puppy begins to approach maturity. There is no set age when the switch should be made because it will vary with the breed and individual dog.

In general, the smaller the dog the faster they reach maturity. Small breeds up to 30 pounds mature around ten to twelve months of age although some toy breeds reach maturity even sooner. Medium breed dogs up to 80 pounds will reach maturity between twelve to sixteen months and I believe your puppy may fall into this category. It really depends how much Great Pyrenees she has in her. Large breed dogs weighing more than 80 pounds can take up to two years to reach maturity.

When making the switch to adult food, do it slowly over the course of one to two weeks by gradually mixing in increasing amounts of the adult food with decreasing amounts of her puppy food to minimize gastric upset.

Foods to Avoid

Try to avoid foods that list corn or meat by-products as the first ingredient because meat should be the first ingredient.

Avoid feeding your dog puppy food longer than you have to. Feeding puppy food too long can result in obesity and orthopedic problems. You will know when it is time to make the switch when you notice your dog eating less of the puppy food or if she starts to put on too much weight.

Don’t Let Your Dog Get Chubby

It is important to be able to judge your dog’s body condition score in order to determine how much food you should give.The recommendations on the labels are guidelines only and will not apply to every dog. You may need to feed a little more or less depending on your dog’s condition score.

Ideally you should be able to feel but not see the ribs and by looking straight down at your dog while she is standing there should be a recognizable waist. Ask your veterinarian if your dog is at a healthy weight during your next visit and ask for examples of body condition scores.

The post Puppy Feeding Guidelines appeared first on Cesar's Way.

They also say, “The acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree.” But that acorn still has to fall before it can grow, and the way it grows depends entirely on the circumstances it lands in.

How Puppies Grow Up in Nature

The same is true of puppies, and how they are raised from the beginning can make an enormous difference in what kind of dog they become — aggressive, fearful, hyperactive, calm. But the easiest behavioral problems to fix are the ones that never happen in the first place.

In Nature, a puppy’s mother begins creating rules and setting boundaries from the beginning. She determines when a puppy eats and where the puppy can go, and provides immediate correction if the puppy breaks one of the rules. The big mistake that humans make with puppies is to be lured by their cuteness into giving them nothing but affection — but giving affection that is not earned is one of the worst things we can ever do to our dogs.

The thing to remember is that a puppy, like a human child, is very curious about the world and wants to learn what it can and cannot do. The difference is that we can explain the rules and why they exist to a human child, but all we can do with a puppy is show them the rules, and correct them the instant they break them.

Common Mistakes When Raising Puppies

Here’s a common mistake people make when it comes to housebreaking. They try to discipline the puppy when they find a wet spot on the carpet long after the dog has done it. The problem is, the puppy isn’t going to understand why you’re pointing at the floor and yelling, so two things happen.

The first is that the puppy makes no connection between the correction and the misbehavior. The second is that, suddenly, whatever the puppy was doing when you started yelling is going to become the behavior she thinks you don’t like.

If the puppy happened to be playing with a toy at the time, then you might wind up with a dog that has no interest in toys. Worse, if the puppy was being calm and submissive when you started disciplining, then you’re going to get exactly the opposite of a calm, submissive dog.

This is why the decision to adopt a puppy, rather than an adult dog, has to be made very, very carefully. The first question to ask is, “Will there be someone in the household 24/7 to watch the puppy, and provide those rules, boundaries, and limitations?”

If the answer to this question is, “No,” then you should not adopt a puppy unless you want to spend a lot of time later on dealing with and fixing misbehaviors. If the answer is, “Yes,” then remember that someone is going to have to always be there for the first few months, and everyone is going to have to be consistent in enforcing the rules and creating the boundaries.

There’s another English expression using images from Nature to describe how early upbringing affects adult behavior: “As the twig is bent, so grows the branch.” If we listen to Nature and stop bending our puppies, we will be rewarded with balanced, happy dogs.

The post Puppies Growing Up in Nature and in Our Home appeared first on Cesar's Way.

People often ask me at what age they should start puppy training. The answer is immediately! Here are some quick tips on the steps to training and maintaining an obedient and balanced dog from the start.

New puppy owners often make the mistake of endlessly worrying about finding the right accessories, puppy treats, or bed. They spend little or no time thinking about how or what they will teach their new puppy. Yes, a puppy needs nutritious food and a safe, warm place to live, but another equally powerful and important biological necessity is the need for a strong pack leader.

Be the Pack Leader

Puppies are naturally hard-wired to follow a pack leader. A pack leader is, by definition, strong, stable, and consistent; traits many new puppy owners forget. Many of my clients are strong leaders in their jobs, but when they come home, they turn to mush with their dogs. Then they come to me puzzled as to why their dog won’t behave.

Puppies sense our confidence levels and will take control if they perceive us as weak. When this happens, bad behaviors, such as excessive barking, chewing, leash-pulling, or anxiety, will develop.

The most important thing you can do is become your puppy’s pack leader. This role doesn’t begin when your dog is six months old or when he’s bad; it should be maintained throughout the entire dog training experience. For your new puppy to grow into a healthy, balanced dog, you must demonstrate leadership from day one!

Visit to the Veterinarian

One of the cornerstones of good health for your puppy is regular veterinary care. It is crucial that your puppy maintains a nutritional diet and exercise routine to stay healthy and balanced. Plus, your vet can advise on heartworm, and flea and tick preventative care. While a lot goes into keeping your puppy in good health, it all begins with the first visit to the vet.

Housebreaking

All dogs become conditioned never to eliminate in their dens. From two to four months of age, most pups pick up on the concept of housebreaking quite easily since it is part of their natural programming.

In the early days of housebreaking you want to make sure the puppy has a place to relieve herself where she feels safe; a place that seems and smells familiar. First thing every morning, bring your puppy outside to the same general area. It is important to remain consistent throughout the process so your puppy can learn the habit.

Once your new puppy has successfully gone outside, it is important to reward the good behavior. It doesn’t have to be a big, loud celebration, but a simple quiet approval or a treat can get the message across of a job well done.

And be sure not to punish your puppy for an accident or do anything to create a negative association with her bodily functions. Stay calm and assertive and quietly remove the puppy to the place where you want him to go.

Dog Walking

Please find safe ways to exercise your puppy too! As your puppy’s pack leader, you must help to expend their energy in a productive way. For all dogs, this means a daily walk.

Walking in front of your new puppy allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your puppy should be beside or behind you during the walk.

Also talk to your veterinarian about the risk of long-term bone development problems, parvovirus, and other health issues before implementing an exercise routine.

How cute is your puppy? Post a photo of your pooch in the comments.

The post Starting Your Puppy Off Right! appeared first on Cesar's Way.