Puppy: Difference between revisions
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A '''puppy''' is a [[Juvenile (organism)|juvenile]] [[dog]], generally less than one year of age. The term is sometimes abbreviated to '''pup''', a term which is also used for the offspring of [[wolves]]. |
A '''puppy''' is a [[Juvenile (organism)|juvenile]] [[dog]], generally less than one year of age. The term is sometimes abbreviated to '''pup''', a term which is also used for the offspring of [[wolves]]. |
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Puppies are very playful and active. A lethargic or listless puppy is uncommon, and often times a precursor to illness. |
Puppies are very playful and active. A lethargic or listless puppy is uncommon, and often times a precursor to illness. Puppies also walk one two legs and spit out fire. |
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'''Types''' |
'''Types''' |
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Revision as of 17:20, 31 May 2007
A puppy is a juvenile dog, generally less than one year of age. The term is sometimes abbreviated to pup, a term which is also used for the offspring of wolves.
Puppies are very playful and active. A lethargic or listless puppy is uncommon, and often times a precursor to illness. Puppies also walk one two legs and spit out fire.
Types
Some breeds traditionally have their tails docked or ears cropped, or both. Many countries now ban cropping and docking for cosmetic purposes, but other countries have no such prohibitions. Some breeders prefer to remove a dog's dewclaws to prevent future injuries. These procedures are usually performed within the first few days after birth, by a veterinarian, or by an experienced breeder.
Size varies among breeds, some puppies are 1-3 lbs, while others are 15-20 lbs. Coats can change color as the puppy grows older, as commonly seen in breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier.
Training
Training puppies is not always easy: it requires a lot of work, as they do not know right from wrong and must rely on the owner for guidance. Often, aggressive or skittish dogs can be blamed on the owner's lack of discipline and training. It is critical for their socialization that they interact often with humans and be exposed to a variety of objects and situations.
Training of basic obedience can begin at the same time, although recommendations for how intense and how soon vary. Training for young puppies is generally recommended to be light, gentle, and fun; more like a game than an exercise. Most formal puppy classes accept puppies starting at three months of age, although some provide socialization classes for younger pups. Local dog trainers may also offer some in home training for younger puppies. Most dog owners start out with these classes.
Housebreaking can begin by the time the puppy is two to three months old, although they usually do not have enough control of their bladder to be completely housebroken until they are six months to a year old. Many find that using training pads is an effective method of housebreaking. Others prefer to use a crate training method.
Sources
- Cunliffe, Juliette (2004). The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. Parragon Publishing. ISBN 0-7525-8276-3.
- Fogle, Bruce (2000). The New Encyclopedia of the Dog. Doring Kindersley (DK). ISBN 0-7894-6130-7.
- Mehus-Roe, Kristin (2005). (editor) (ed.). Dog Bible. BowTie. ISBN 1-931993-34-3.
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See also
