When it comes to puppies, many new pet owners simply don’t know where to begin. Puppies are adorable and they make wonderful additions to any family unit, but how do you know when it’s time to adopt a puppy? There are several things to consider when making this type of important decision. The first thing to realize is that puppies have to be taken care of, and in some ways this means taking responsibility for your puppy.
House training a puppy is often a very difficult process. Some puppies will weigh up to 1.5 kilograms, while even larger ones could weight up to 7 kilograms. All healthy puppies develop very quickly after birth, however. A puppy’s coat colour can actually change dramatically as he or she grows older, which is common in many breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier.
When deciding whether or not you should adopt a puppy, you should take care to choose a dog that is healthy, strong, and well-developed. It is important to remember that a puppy will not have completely developed back legs, so you should never buy a dog that is under a year old if you are going to try to take care of him or her in the future. At six to eight weeks of age, you should be able to get a puppy that is capable of running around on a daily basis, but not too big. They will need plenty of room in a large crate or kennel, and you should take care to keep them away from other dogs.
Get vaccinated against distemper, rabies, hepatitis, parvo, heartworm, papilloma virus, and the European virus before you bring your puppies home. Vets will also advise you on the best vaccinations to give your pups, and you should get these vaccinations on your puppy while it is still puppies. This way, you won’t have to wait to give your dog’s shots. At eight to ten weeks of age, you should start to give your puppies regular vaccinations to maintain a high level of health within your dog breed. However, you should consult your vet about what vaccinations your puppies need later in life.
Puppies vary in terms of size, so it is very important to know the exact measurements of your puppy when you are considering adoption. Most puppies are between seven to ten inches long, but there are some small breeds that are even smaller, including Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and Jack Russells. Keep in mind that puppies and younger dogs have smaller teeth, so you should consider this when choosing a breeder. The American Kennel Club will help you determine the correct measurements of your dog to help you find the right breeder. Once you get your puppy, you will also need to determine its proper diet. Smaller dogs can digest dog food much easier than larger breeds, so you should look for a breeder who offers a variety of different dog foods.
After you find the right breeder, you should visit the shelter where your new puppy will be offered for adoption. You can expect to meet with the staff at this time to learn more about the entire puppy development process and about the different care steps that are required. You will learn about the first two weeks of feedings, how to socialize your new puppy with other animals in the shelter, and about the different aspects of puppy development that include potty training, elimination habits, general behavior, and ear training.