Raising a good puppy

Dawgz-N-Stripes:

The Importance of Raising a Good Puppy

Choosing the Right Items for Your Puppy

Selecting appropriate supplies for your puppy is crucial. Consider how quickly your puppy will grow and choose items that will accommodate their changing size. Investing in durable, high-quality products can save you money on future veterinary bills.

When it comes to leashes, opt for good leather ones. Leather leashes protect your hands from sudden pulls and help prevent accidents. In contrast, nylon and rope leashes may cause severe burns if your dog pulls unexpectedly.

Understanding Your Dog’s Growth Stages

Be mindful of your dog’s developmental phases:

• 0 to 6 months: Puppy
• 6 to 18 months: Teenager
• 18 to 42 months: Young Adult
• 42 to 72 months: Mature Adult
• Over 72 months: Senior Dog

The Importance of Nutrition

Food plays a vital role in your dog’s development. Feeding your dog high-quality food promotes better health. Remember, dogs are carnivores, so their diet should primarily consist of meat.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for raising a well-developed dog. Activities for you and your dog help keep both of you healthy and strong. When exercising your dog, be mindful of outdoor conditions. Walking your dog in hot weather can lead to painful burns on their feet. A good guideline is: if you would not walk barefoot, it is not safe for your dog either.

Check the following temperature table before walking your dog:

At 125°F, skin destruction can occur in just 60 seconds. Always test the asphalt with your hand before allowing your dog to walk on it. If it is too hot for your bare feet, it is too hot for your dog.

Hydration and Shade

Always provide your dog with fresh water and ensure access to shade, especially in hot climates such as Southern California, Texas, and Florida. Adequate shade and hydration are essential for your dog’s comfort and safety.

Exercise After Eating

Avoid letting your dog run or jump immediately after eating. Sudden movements can cause bloating, which involves the stomach flipping and blocking the intestines. This is a life-threatening condition that often requires expensive surgery, particularly in larger breeds like Dobermans.

Crate Training

Crate training helps your dog learn independence and provides a safe space to decompress. The crate acts as their own cave, offering peace and comfort, much like a bedroom does for humans.

Handling Puppies Properly

Picking up puppies is comforting and adorable, but it is important to do it correctly. Never lift a puppy by the front legs. Support their rear with one hand and cradle their chest with the other. Avoid holding male puppies between their legs, as this can push one or both testicles back into their bodies, resulting in costly veterinary bills.

Commitment to Your Dog

Responsible ownership is vital. Do not spoil a dog and then give it away, take it to the pound, or abandon it on the street when it grows up. Such actions are immoral and illegal. Abandoning a dog can lead to jail time and fines under California Penal Code 597B.

Learning More About Raising a Puppy

There is much to learn about raising a good puppy. If you have questions, please reach out. Thank you for reading.Manny@dawgznstripes.com

Manny

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