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Puppies

  • Proper Etiquette at the Dog Park

    Many dogs love to get out to socialize and exercise with their canine friends and dog parks are their go-to spots for getting together. Proper etiquette, from both you and your pup, will allow everyone to enjoy the park safely and courteously. However, dog parks are not a good fit for all dogs.

  • Puppy Behavior and Training: Dealing with Undesirable Behavior

    Life with puppies is complicated, and all puppies will sometimes do things their owners find problematic. Using management, planning, supervision, and positive reinforcement for the right behaviors will help puppies succeed, and help owners better enjoy their companions.

  • Puppy Behavior and Training: Handling Exercises

    Every puppy will become a dog who needs veterinary care, grooming, and handling. Starting in puppyhood, owners can use positive training techniques to teach their puppies how to accept and enjoy restraint, basic procedures, and home husbandry.

  • Puppy Behavior and Training: Socialization and Fear Prevention

    Providing puppies with positive socialization experiences may keep them from developing fears. Puppy socialization must be done gently to avoid accidentally causing fear. Puppies are most primed for socialization before the age of 14 weeks. By taking precautions, some careful socialization can and should be done even before puppies have completed their entire vaccination series.

  • Puppy Behavior and Training: Training Basics

    A successful life with a family dog starts with great training for your puppy. Plan to set your puppy up for success, using behavior management, positive reinforcement, luring, capturing, and shaping techniques, introduced in this handout. Positive puppy training and socialization classes are also beneficial for healthy puppies over eight weeks of age.

  • Puppy Nutrition: Feeding Large and Giant Breeds

    Though every puppy is an individual, large, and giant breed puppies in particular require an individualized approach to nutrition, since they have some different needs compared to small and medium breed dogs. When it comes to puppy food, one size does not necessarily fit all.

  • Retained Testicle (Cryptorchidism) in Dogs

    Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. Risks of retained testicles include testicular cancer, spermatic cord torsion, and the development of undesirable male characteristics, so neutering is strongly recommended.

  • Roundworm Infection in Dogs

    Roundworms are the most common gastrointestinal worm found in dogs and can also be transmitted to people. They are of most concern to puppies when present in large numbers, causing stunted growth, a pot-bellied appearance, and recurrent diarrhea. Diagnostic testing, treatment, and preventive measures are explained in this handout.

  • Social Groups for Dogs

    Dogs, like people, are social by nature and spending time with other dogs can be fun and can provide aerobic exercise that is good for the mind and body. Organized play dates or play groups allow you to meet up with compatible canine playmates. This handout outlines some options and key safety considerations.

  • Teeth, Teething and Chewing in Puppies

    Teething in puppies lasts from about 3 to 6 weeks of age and again from 12 to 24 weeks of age. Safe chew toys are an important source of energy release, but if puppies are not stimulated sufficiently, or supervised carefully, they will chew elsewhere. Occasionally, retained baby teeth or other dental abnormalities can occur that need to be addressed by your veterinarian. It is important to get your puppy used to having their mouth manipulated for exams and teeth brushing.