The First Year

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Understanding a puppy's stages of development during the first 12  months can help you create a stronger, richer relationship with your new companion. This article addresses what to expect during the first year and provides tips for socialization, housebreaking, and other general information. 

Birth to 7 Weeks  

       Puppies develop very quickly during their first weeks. Born with minimal senses intact, puppies can begin to see, hear, and smell at about three to five weeks. Using their newly developed senses, they become aware of their environment and begin to interact with their mother,  littermates, and people. They also begin to wean, and, thanks to newly formed teeth, eat solid food. 

At about six weeks, puppies become intensely curious, which is how  they learn about the world. Interacting and playing with their  littermates enables pups to grow, and to sometimes lead and sometimes follow. 

Ages 7 to 9 Weeks    

       Most puppies are brought home at around eight weeks. To prepare for  the addition of your new pup, be sure to "puppy-proof" your home so your  curious canine can't hurt himself during his explorations. Keep him  away from household dangers such as electrical wires and outlets,  plants, pools, balconies, and open doors. 

A great way to protect your puppy from getting into dangerous situations when you can't watch him is by introducing him to a crate. A  crate is a smart tool that helps in housebreaking and helps keep him  safe. Most dogs love the security of a crate. Because they are descended  from animals that live in dens, a crate is a natural shelter for a dog because it has the same characteristics of a den. Your pup will see it as a safe haven. Gently introduce him to the crate by placing it where  the family is most active. Put his food, treats and toys inside while leaving the door open to make him understand this is his special place. 

Be cautious of socializing your pup outside your home until he has been vaccinated, otherwise, he may be susceptible to catching potentially fatal diseases. In most cases, puppies should have three sets of vaccines during their first year. A nursing pup receives antibodies from his mother's milk that protect him from viruses and diseases. These  antibodies begin to dissipate at around seven weeks, leaving the pup  (weaned at about five weeks) vulnerable to disease. Therefore, puppies are given their first vaccination at six to eight weeks, with booster vaccines given at 10 to 12 and 14 to 16 weeks; the final booster usually includes a rabies vaccine. Check with your veterinarian about the best vaccine protocol for your puppy. 

Because your puppy will grow increasingly curious about his  environment, introducing him to new situations is important from the  moment you bring him home. Be cautious, however, as introducing a pup to  too many new stimuli may be stressful for him. Be sure to praise him  when he handles a new situation well. 

Walk your pup on different surfaces (carpet, grass, roadways), take  him for frequent outings, play games, and then pet him gently when he has  settled down after a romp. Introduce him slowly to all types of  appropriate interactions with people, animals, and new sights, sounds  and smells. 

At some time during these weeks, your once bold puppy may become cautious. If he reacts in fear of loud sounds or sudden movements,  remain calm. Continue to gently introduce him to new situations; for example, when taking him to the vet, keep the experience positive (lots of treats and praise) and short. Avoid becoming overly protective or isolating the pup. Rather, choose activities that can be controlled,  taking small steps as you expose him to new experiences. Your pup will eventually return to his confident self. Help him get thereby setting a  good example-the the more relaxed you are, the calmer he will be. 

Ages 9 to 12 Weeks    

         Your puppy can increasingly comprehend basic education, such as housebreaking, leash training, and knowing his name. Such interactions  teach him canine manners and which behaviors are appropriate for which  times. Reinforcing the pup's desire to play with you helps him to see  you and your family as his family, replacing his mother and littermates. 

Housebreaking is a major hurdle for most puppy owners. Remember,  prevention and patience are key. Give your pup ample opportunities to  "go" outdoors so he doesn't get into the habit of "going" indoors. A  general rule of thumb in housebreaking is to take him outside any time  he experiences a significant change of activity-when he wakes from a  nap, after vigorous playtime, after he eats or drinks, and when there is an exciting event such as someone visiting your home. 

As your puppy grows, he needs to know who is in charge. If no one is telling him what the rules are, he will make up his own rules. Some ways you can get your young pup used to you as his leader include bathing and grooming, putting on and removing a leash, leaving him alone for short periods of time, and, while he's eating, taking away and then returning his food bowl. 

Now is the perfect time to start an in-home training program or take your pet to "puppy kindergarten" to allow him to socialize with other dogs and people in a safe, controlled environment. Your pup will enjoy  playing with other puppies of similar age while getting a start on basic obedience training. By training and socializing him in a controlled,  positive environment, you can mitigate potential behavioral issues in the future. 

Ages 13 to 16 weeks     

         Let the teething begin! Now your pup will start to chew on anything  available, including you-which should always be discouraged. When your  puppy tries to chew on you, have a toy nearby to put into his mouth and praise him when he takes it. As with a teething baby, providing frozen  chew toys helps to soothe your pet's aching gums. 

Increasingly, your pup will need strong leadership from you so he  always knows that the people in your home are the pack leaders. Further challenges at this age occur when your puppy shows increased independence and stubbornness. 

Keep learning fun for your pup because he'll learn more if he enjoys  his lessons. Try to keep training sessions to about 15 minutes at a  time. If you or he get frustrated (remember, he is a puppy!), just stop,  play a game, and then try again with an abbreviated lesson followed by lots of praise. 

Always give clear, consistent commands. This ensures your pup will readily make the connection between your command and what you want him to do. 

Aged 16 to 24 Weeks     

         This is a time of rapid growth for puppies. If you have a highly  energetic pup, it may seem natural to exercise him as much as possible.  However, don't overdo it-his developing bones and muscles aren't ready to take the strain, especially in larger dog breeds. 

Because he is developing an increased sense of social structure, he may test his boundaries to determine his ranking in the family order,  including the possibility of trying to assert himself over children. 

At this age, too, hormones begin to take over, making your pup's sexual behavior quite noticeable. Thus, this is a good time to have the puppy spayed or neutered. Spay/neuter surgery not only reduces unwanted  litters of puppies but actually ensures a healthier life for your dog,  including decreased risk of mammary and testicular cancer and less likelihood of your dog running away. Consult with your veterinarian about spay/neuter surgery for your pup. 

Aged 6 to 12 Months  

        Now your puppy is an adolescent, exuberant and full of life.  While he may have developed into an adult-sized dog, however, he is  still a puppy and thus continues to need consistent guidance. To corral  his energy and curiosity, consider expanding his activities to include agility or just a good game of fetch. Introduce him to more people and dogs at area parks or walking trails. 

Your continued efforts with socialization and training, supported by lots of affection, will ensure your once tiny puppy matures into a  loyal, loving companion for many happy years ahead. 

1. Your female pet will live a longer, healthier life.  Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.
2. Neutering provides major health benefits for your male.  Besides preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer.
3. Your spayed female won't go into heat.  While cycles can vary, female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during the breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they'll yowl and urinate more frequently-sometimes all over the house!
4. Your male dog won't want to roam away from home.  An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate! That includes digging his way under the fence and making like Houdini to escape from the house. And once he's free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other males.
5. Your neutered male will be much better behaved.  Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families. On the other hand, unneutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Many aggression problems can be avoided by early neutering.
6. Spaying or neutering will NOT make your pet fat.  Don’t use that old excuse! Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds-not neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor food intake.
7. It is highly cost-effective.  The cost of your pet's spay/neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also beats the cost of treatment when your un-neutered tom escapes and gets into fights with the neighborhood stray!
8. Spaying and neutering your pet is good for the community.  Stray animals pose a real problem in many parts of the country. They can prey on wildlife, cause car accidents, damage the local fauna and frighten children. Spaying and neutering packs a powerful punch in reducing the number of animals on the streets.
9. Your pet doesn't need to have a litter for your children to learn about the miracle of birth.  Letting your pet produce offspring you have no intention of keeping is not a good lesson for your children-especially when so many unwanted animals end up in shelters. There are tons of books and videos available to teach your children about birth in a more responsible way.
10. Spaying and neutering help fight pet overpopulation.  Every year, millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized or suffer as strays. These high numbers are the result of unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.