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Puppy Stages can be a difficult concept for a new owner to grasp; however, it is a very important concept. If you are a wise and loving pet owner, you will know when your puppy is changing its behavior or becoming a different dog. You will be there as your puppy learns to trust you as it grows and feels safe and secure. You will know your puppy when it’s behaving nicely and in the proper temperament. And most importantly, you will know when your puppy needs a loving and caring human to help it through tough times.

Here are some puppy stages of growth and behavior:

Arthritic growth in which the puppy when your puppy is growing, rapid growth will result in some real consideration about its future. For example, a litter of puppies might result in a lack of trust and discipline. It takes a long time before the puppies begin to trust each other or respond to affection. Puppies need a bit of time to find out who is the boss dog and learn to trust each other. Affection from the mother is a good thing, but too much affection can result in little Riley improving its nipping limits or becoming snappish.

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When Riley begins to trust you and becomes comfortable and willing to play, it’s time to let it take over completely. When Riley begins to become overgrown, and she has her full set of teeth and the strength to suckle, it’s time to restrict her social life. It’s not done to choke or harm the pup. It’s done to help the pup find a level of comfort beyond the puppy stage.

Riley’s first month of growth may reveal many more puppy-related problems such as uncontrolled barking, biting, chewing, or digging. This is normal. The first month is like a toddler’s. They like to explore and play, and their little bodies are full of energy. Their bladders are also very full at this time. Like toddlers, they spend a lot of time trying out their new teeth on everything and anything in sight.

This is also a good time to begin teaching the puppy about paper training and going outside to eliminate it. Puppies have very tiny bladders. They cannot hold it for long periods. The only alternative to keep them from peeing and pooping all over your house is to train them to hold it. Training them to hold it is a simple two-step process.

The first step is to start paper training before you bring Riley home. Magazines like Life With Dog regularly feature dog trainers who teach you how to train your dog to go on schedule. Be sure to use dog pee pads (such as Crate Dog Training Pads) in order to avoid stains on your carpet. Crate training is a highly successful way to teach your puppy to hold it.

Also, stick to a strict feeding schedule and observe your pup. Don’t allow it to be free feed for very long. Give your puppy at least 4 hours of bedtime, and then take it to pee after bedtime. If you are not home, keep it confined to its crate.

The learning process of each puppy during this month of growth can prove to be a challenge. Rushing it to play and frolic at the ready can lead to it learning the wrong things. Instead, take it slow. Oversee it. Know what you want to teach it and when you want to let it play. Know when to use the word “no.” When you want it to stop, that can be more than enough. But also know that you have to use that word when you want it to stop. If you teach it to stop well, you will then have a happy puppy.

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