Puppy Growth Program
On this page you will find the following
Puppy growth and development
The four health pillars of raising a puppy
Considered mixed feeding?
Supervise at all times
Make sure you supervise your puppy at all times as they're getting used to your home and yard. Allow your puppy to come to you for comfort rather than the other way around, as some puppies may easily become overwhelmed by too much human contact.
Show your puppy their bed
Put something that carries your scent in your puppy’s bed and a blanket to snuggle into.
Puppies like to know what to expect. Plan what your routine will be for feeding, potty trips, exercise, and grooming, then you can get started on day one. If you know what routine puppy had before adoption, it's best to continue with this for consistency until your puppy is settled.
Puppy Growth and Development
You must be prepared for your puppy before its arrival, as the stages of puppyhood will pass by in the blink of an eye. During this time, you need to know the different nutritional needs that your puppy will require at the various stages of growth so you can help them grow into a healthy adult dog. We are here to help build a solid foundation for your puppy's future well-being.
Use a puppy crate
A crate is better than a bed for your puppy’s bed initially as they can see and smell you but can’t wander off. At first, put it somewhere near where you sleep.
What to do if your puppy whines
If your puppy whines and you think they may need to go outside, put their leash on and take them out to their area. If you think they’re lonely or scared, speak to them in a calm, reassuring voice but don’t touch or play with them. Too much fuss when they whine may lead to attention-seeking behavior, however ignoring your puppy could cause anxiety and frustration.
Puppies tire very easily and need lots of sleep for their healthy development and well-being, so it’s important to give them plenty of opportunities to rest. At first, they need as much as 18 to 20 hours of sleep every 24 hours. This will reduce to around 12 to 14 hours as they enter adulthood.
How to feed your puppy at first
Stick to the same diet initially
For the first week or two, give your puppy the same food as their previous owner, following the feeding recommendations on the pack. Any sudden dietary changes can stress them or cause digestive upset.
Provide a quiet place to eat
This should be away from where you and any other pets eat. Leave your puppy in peace while they eat to prevent them feeling nervous or protective.
Begin a feeding schedule
Dogs feel reassured by knowing when they'll be fed, so begin a feeding routine from day one. During weaning, they'll need four meals a day and, until they're at least four months old, they'll need three meals a day. If you're ever unsure, ask your vet for advice.
Learn about puppy nutrition and feeding
Young dogs benefit from three or four small meals a day, instead of one or two big ones. You can use part of their main meal as food rewards for desired behaviors and during training sessions, to avoid overeating.
The safe way to change your puppy’s diet
Take your puppy to the vet
You may need to take your puppy for a check-up after their first few days settling in with you. The vet will set up a vaccination schedule for them, as they’ll need to be vaccinated before they can play with other dogs. And they can also advise you on everything from deworming to nutrition.
Your puppy's first visit to the vet
If you are unsure about their health status, taking your puppy to the vet for a check-up a few days after you bring them home is really important. If you're well prepared, it'll be a positive trip for your puppy. And it's also a good opportunity for you to learn more about how to care for them.
Socializing your puppy
Here are a few ways you can begin socializing your puppy in their first week with you.
Your puppy's daytime and night time routines
The first few days and weeks are really important in ensuring your puppy integrates well into your family and grows into a healthy, well-behaved dog. If possible, it's best to take the first week off from work. Then you can focus on establishing routines that will help them feel secure and understand what's expected of them.
Potty trips
Young puppies have no bladder control and need to go outside immediately after eating, drinking, sleeping, or playing. Take your puppy to the same spot outside first thing in the morning, after each meal and nap and before bedtime, and use the same simple command. Also watch for signs your puppy needs to go outside such as them spinning around or sniffing the floor.
Feeding
Make sure you feed your puppy at the same times in the same place each day, so they know when to expect it. By the time you take your puppy home, they should be weaned and most will be having three meals a day.
Exercise
Physical exercise is a vital part of your puppy’s daily routine to help them stay in good health. Once they’ve been vaccinated, they can go on walks. Take them twice a day but limit each walk to 15 minutes initially.
Behavior
Although you must be gentle with your puppy, it's important you're consistent from the outset so they understand house rules such as no climbing on the sofa.
Training classes
Once your puppy's had their vaccinations, regular classes are a great way to help socialize them and establish good behavior. Remember to practice what you learn at classes each day too.
Exercise
Plenty of exercise before bedtime will help your puppy to sleep, so it's a good idea if their second walk of the day is later at night.
Potty trips
If you take your puppy for a walk just before bedtime, they'll have a chance to go potty. If you don't, you'll need to take your puppy outside to their regular spot at bedtime. Young puppies will also need to be taken out around every three hours during the night.
Interaction
At first, it's best for your puppy to sleep in a crate near where you sleep. But keep interaction to a minimum once you've put them to bed. Soothe them with a reassuring voice if they whine, but don't cuddle them, and stay calm and quiet if you take them outside.
Your puppy’s first walk
Once your puppy’s completed their vaccination schedule, and your vet’s confirmed they can play with other dogs, they’ll need to be walked twice a day. Their first walk is an important event for them, and one you’ll want them to enjoy so they feel confident about future walks.
Follow the steps below to help get your puppy’s walks off to a great start.
Choose the right collar and leash
Ask your vet for advice on the best type of collar and leash for your puppy. A retractable leash is useful at first so the collar doesn’t constantly pull on your puppy’s neck. Make sure the collar fits well and can’t slip over their head.
Practice at home
Let your puppy get used to the collar and leash where they’re comfortable. Gradually shorten the leash and encourage your puppy to follow you. Rather than pulling on the leash, bend down each time you change direction and encourage them to join you.
Choose a calm, quiet area
For your puppy’s first walk outdoors, choose a quiet area where they’re not likely to be scared by loud noises or busy footpaths.
Keep it short
Limit your puppy's first walk to around five to ten minutes so they don't become overtired or overwhelmed. You can build it up to 15 to 20 minutes over the coming days and weeks.
Between four and 16 weeks old, a puppy's brain is developing and they're more willing to accept new experiences. This makes it the ideal time to begin introducing them to new experiences and start basic training. Puppies that aren't introduced to different sights, sounds, smells, textures, people, and pets can sometimes struggle with a range of behavioral and emotional problems as they grow.
