Some are of the opinion that “the sooner the better.” Others say: there is no need to rush. And still others don’t think about this issue at all. So where is the truth? Let's figure out what age is ideal for a puppy to move to a new family.
About age criteria for acquisition
When starting to choose a pet, you need to find out not only at what age it is better to get a puppy, but also what its weight and other parameters should be.
Up to a month
If you purchase a puppy under one month of age, its cost will be much cheaper. The thing is that the breeder has not yet had time to spend significantly on feeding, and there will be much more dogs to choose from. But when buying a pet at this age, there is a noticeable disadvantage: the baby needs a mother, he has a weak immune system, and it is impossible to determine his character in the first month of life.
Choosing the right puppy for your home depends on its age
Age 45 days
Buying a pet when it reaches 45 days of age is a more acceptable option. By this age, the breeder already has all the necessary documents in hand. In addition, the dogs are already vaccinated and can eat without assistance. The downside is that it is difficult to determine the protective qualities of a puppy, but clearly cowardly and insecure individuals are already visible.
Age 4-6 months
Purchasing a pet aged 4-6 months is considered a good option in all respects. This is no longer a puppy, but an almost adult dog with its own character. But the future owner should be wary of the fact that the breeder postponed the sale for some reason, and it is best to find out these reasons.
Socialization
Socialization is the pet’s assimilation of new information coming from the surrounding world. Quite often you can find dogs on the street that behave inappropriately - barking at people and cars, chasing cats. This is evidence that the animal is not socialized enough. Periods of socialization:
- Initial stage (first 7 weeks of life). During this period, puppies interact with their mother and each other. Learn the basics of relationships.
- Second stage (8-11 weeks). A more important stage, since the puppy is receptive to information. At this time, you should not scare him, as this will ruin the dog’s psyche in the future.
- Third stage (12-18 weeks). An independent pet already studies and analyzes the world around him, assesses the levels of danger and learns to control his emotions.
Note! The success of an animal depends on the speed of adaptation to circumstances. Most often this falls on the shoulders of the breeder, which is why it is so important to choose a person who lives in this business. But this happens only at the initial stage of socialization, then the burden of responsibility falls on the shoulders of the future owner. It is important to show the animal a wide variety of the surrounding world.
Husky puppies on a walk
What is required from the owner:
- Walk different routes. It is necessary to show the puppy that cars, cyclists and children do not threaten his safety. It’s worth constantly changing your route: going to parks and crowded places. This is especially important for hunting dogs (terriers, dachshunds, spaniels, huskies, huskies), since they are too curious and can quickly get bored with the same places.
- Interact with other animals. This is the most important process that deserves attention. It is necessary to take your pet to an area where he will meet other dogs. You should not isolate the puppy from its relatives, as this will make it nervous and aggressive. It is also worth introducing your dog to cats, rodents and birds.
- Dogs receive most of their information through sounds and smells, so in the city you need to be mindful of what your pet might encounter.
Resocialization is the socialization of an adult dog. Most often needed by pets adopted from a shelter or found on the street. It is quite difficult to do it on your own; you will need the help of an experienced dog handler.
Spitz character
Despite the fact that Spitz dogs have a miniature and charming appearance, their character is far from the easiest. Many owners of this breed note the leadership qualities of their dogs. They are fearless and love to dominate both family members and other pets. Often, in order to attract attention, a small Spitz pounces on members of the household or barks loudly.
A disobedient animal can cause the following troubles to its owner:
- damage to furniture;
- territory label;
- aggression towards guests.
However, all character flaws of a pet directly depend on upbringing. With timely training and proper care, Spitz dogs are famous for their loyalty, obedience, and intelligence. They easily tolerate changing places. They quickly find a common language with young children. They are not capricious during walks and hygiene procedures. In addition, their small size does not prevent Spitz dogs from becoming brave defenders of their owners.
What to do if the puppy is more than three months old?
You should not refuse to adopt a puppy older than three months. An older puppy purchased from a conscientious breeder who has trained and socialized the dog may cost more. But in this case, you get a socialized, well-mannered dog, already accustomed to walking and, perhaps, knowing some commands.
Some experienced breeders prefer to take dogs as young as possible. However, this should not be done by a non-professional or a person who will not be able to spend a lot of time caring for and raising a very young puppy.
Weight and height
Also, when choosing, you should pay attention to the criteria of weight and height.
Weight Features
Sterilization of dogs: at what age is it better to do it?
At birth, the height of a small puppy, for example, a Chihuahua, ranges from 400 to 800 g. The gender and number of dogs appearing in the litter also matter. It is always worth considering that males are born larger.
Features of growth
A developed animal never has growth retardation. There are several stages of dog growth and development:
- intrauterine;
- suckling (from birth to 1-1 months);
- puppy (from 1.5 to 6 months);
- young animals (up to 10-12 months);
- young individuals (up to 2-2.5 years).
At each stage, the dog's growth does not occur evenly. For example, at birth a pet has short legs and an elongated body, then it begins to grow in height and body width.
For your information! The ears acquire normal size no earlier than the moment when all parts of the body become proportional. That is why, at birth and at a small age, they look large.
Not all breeds have straight ears after birth. For example, a French bulldog can boast of having formed ears only by 3 months.
Four to eight weeks: socialization period
The developmental changes and experiences of puppies during this period are so important that dog behaviorists often refer to it as the “critical period.” As the name suggests, this is the time when the puppy begins to interact with other dogs and play with their offspring. But just as any toddler should be taught certain manners from a very early age, dogs try to instill basic social norms in their puppies.
The most important thing that a puppy learns during the socialization period is the ability to play. Your dog will play most of his life and especially during the socialization period when he is just learning about this wonderful world through play. The game is of great importance in the life of a puppy and carries many necessary functions. It keeps the puppy occupied and stimulated, teaching him agility, intelligence and determination in difficult situations, as well as respect for the dog hierarchy. More importantly, through play, the puppy truly learns to communicate with other individuals, so removing the puppy from canine society can affect the formation of a lonely and immature personality in him for the rest of his life.
Rules of care
In order for Spitz puppies to be active and cheerful into old age, and for their life expectancy to be more than 15 years, they need to be provided with proper care.
First of all, in their content you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Combing. Spitz dogs have quite thick fur, which requires special care. It is recommended to brush dogs twice a week using a special brush. This manipulation will help prevent fur from crumpling and remove excess fluff. However, you cannot get carried away with this procedure. Otherwise, the puppy will lose its undercoat.
- Visit to the veterinarian. The very first veterinary examination should take place when the puppy is 2 months old. In this case, the doctor will be able to assess the dog’s health and prescribe future preventive actions. Then visits to the veterinarian should be carried out at least once every six months.
- Walks. In order for small pets to spend their increased energy, but at the same time gain strength for further development, they need games in the fresh air. It is advisable to take walks at least 2 times a day, for 20-30 minutes.
When getting Spitz puppies, do not forget about precautions. Due to their increased curiosity, small pets often strive to jump from heights such as sofas, armchairs, and chests of drawers. But jumping down is very dangerous for their health. Therefore, you should not leave puppies alone.
What not to do
It is not recommended to bandage the mammary glands, express milk, or apply anything irritating (camphor) without consulting a veterinarian. You should not allow your dog to lick the milk with its tongue on its own; it is recommended to wear a special collar around its neck, excluding access to the abdominal area.
After the artificial cessation of lactation, the dog begins to shed heavily. There is no reason to panic - it is a temporary inconvenience due to hormonal changes, the fur will grow back in full.
Milk does not always burn out on its own after weaning puppies. Sometimes an animal needs help. A caring owner must know how to stop lactation in a dog, and how he can help his beloved pet.
At what age is it best to adopt a puppy: tips and features
Before you start making your choice, you need to determine at what age it is best to adopt a puppy. Any dog, whether young or older, needs attention and special care. This is why you should study all the problems that may arise and learn how to deal with them.
What problems can small puppies have?
Sterilization of cats: options at what age is best to do it
Buying a small puppy is the dream of many people who dream of giving their care to a pet and becoming the main person in his life. Future owners are attracted by their touching appearance, defenselessness and sense of need.
However, with small pets there may be problems:
- The puppy requires increased attention and care, especially if it is not even a month old and has already been taken from its mother. This primarily applies to purebred dogs: a German Shepherd will better survive separation after 8 weeks of life. Until this age, she really needs her mother's love.
- The owner will need to go to the veterinary clinic on his own and ensure that the pet is vaccinated according to the schedule.
- Carry out deworming yourself.
- Just like with a small child, you will have to go through the teething stage together.
- Puppies have a need to mark territory, so the owner is guaranteed small puddles on the floor.
- Small pets have a weak musculoskeletal system, so during puppyhood there is a risk of injury.
- You will need to select special food, because puppies have stomach problems.
Is it possible to adopt a puppy older than 3-4 months?
According to generally accepted opinion, the older the dog, the more difficult it is to get used to a new family and territory. However, this is not entirely true: dogs over 3-4 months old already know how to give a signal that they need to relieve themselves. They already understand a number of commands and, on top of everything else, have a stable digestive system. However, such a pet has already formed the character and habits that will need to be adopted.
It will be easier for the owner to deal with the puppy at a young age. And all because a small dog needs attention and often a person has to practically replace his mother. But it is worth considering that small breeds, for example, pug, dachshund, mature faster, but large ones, like Labrador, mature later.
Important! Often, breeders later put up dogs for sale that are the best in the litter, so buying a dog older than 3-4 months is acceptable.
Grown-up puppies - pros and cons
Buying a grown-up dog has its own subtleties. Therefore, before deciding to purchase it, you should weigh the pros and cons.
An older pet gets accustomed to a new environment more easily
When purchasing a grown-up dog, you should find out the reason why it is given up so late. For example, if a pet has already lived in a family and for some reason did not fit in, through no fault of its own, then in a new family, it may experience fear when the owner goes somewhere. This fear will affect his behavior: he may try with all his might not to let his owner leave the house. This behavior is an absolute disadvantage.
But there are also positive aspects in such a purchase, because a grown-up dog can see all the shortcomings and advantages of its exterior and mental state. This is especially important for breeders who want a purebred show dog, such as a Corgi.
For your information! With an adult four-legged pet, the owner will not have to go through the stage of correcting the natural needs of the apartment. In addition, a grown-up individual will not get carried away with cleaning up the mess in the apartment, or chewing shoes and baseboards.
Features of the character and behavior of the Alabai
When choosing a baby Sao, you should also pay attention to his behavior. A baby with a stable and healthy psyche will in the future become an obedient and reliable guard, and his training and education will not require much effort from the owner. The puppy should be curious and observant. You should check how kids react to external stimuli; to do this, you can throw a bunch of keys or a small pebble near them. If an Alabai shows interest in an unfamiliar object and begins to examine it, he will make an excellent and reliable guard.
Hygiene procedures
Hygiene is considered one of the most important aspects to ensure the health of dogs. Without maintaining cleanliness, puppies develop various diseases and parasites. Without hygiene procedures, dogs lose their attractive appearance, which negatively affects the results of exhibitions.
Preventative measures to keep puppies healthy:
- Bathing. Water procedures must be carried out when dogs are heavily soiled or have begun to shed. Bath pets in water at room temperature, using special shampoos for long-haired dogs.
- Teeth cleaning. It is recommended to perform oral hygiene in small puppies at least twice a week. The procedure is carried out using a special toothbrush and paste.
- Treatment of eyes and ears. This procedure is performed using a cotton pad moistened with warm boiled water. It is carried out as the eyes and ears become contaminated.
Hygiene procedures also include cutting and trimming nails. However, it is not advisable to carry out this manipulation yourself. It is better to entrust such care to specialists.
How to determine a dog's age
There are many unscrupulous owners. Some people do not carefully monitor animals - dogs run away, others throw an animal that does not suit them into the street. When a dog is selected and found, the question arises of how to determine the dog’s age. This is necessary for examination by a veterinarian, vaccination, to create an announcement about the foundling, in order to know how to care for it, what to feed and how long to walk.
To determine the age, the pet is examined. As a person grows and ages, special signs appear, similar to what happens in animals. A puppy cannot be confused with an old animal. Veterinarians know how to find out a dog’s age more accurately by external signs. And among dogs there are long-lived people. The oldest dog died at 29 years old, but this is a rare exception. Most dogs live 10-16 years.
The second common question among pet owners related to age is whether it is possible to compare it with a human one. Knowledge is not very important, but interesting. The age of a dog by human standards can be approximately calculated using coefficients or viewed more accurately in special charts.
Is it possible to have an adult dog?
Is it necessary to cut a cat’s claws: necessity and at what age
Of course, it is much easier to cope with a puppy whose habits, character and behavior have not yet been fully formed. But still, the question of whether it is possible to take home an adult dog worries many people. This solution has its pros and cons.
An adult dog, for example, a Yorkie or Spitz, who finds himself in territory unfamiliar to him, may fall into a depressed state, yearning for his previous habitat. He may be afraid of the house and the new owner, or he may even demonstrate character, trying to show that he is the one in charge.
Having decided to buy such a dog, you should think about why they are giving it away. For this purpose, you should inquire from the previous owner about the pet’s health status. Of course, this does not apply to the situation when the unfortunate dog was simply left on the street.
An adult dog gets used to its owner much more slowly and difficultly.
An adult dog has its own eating habits. It will be difficult for the future owner to wean him off his usual food or food, so he will also have to come to terms with this quality.
conclusions
To survive a difficult period, the dog will need support and attention.
It may take a dog even several weeks to fully recover from the loss of puppies and finally come to terms with this fact. And only the support and attentive attitude of the owner towards his pet will help the animal survive this difficult and painful period.
Diet
In order for little Spitz puppies to always remain vigorous, cheerful and healthy, a proper diet is necessary.
The recommended food set should include:
- vitamins;
- proteins;
- carbohydrates;
- minerals.
You can feed your babies both dry and natural food. However, you should not combine these two different types of nutrition at one time. Otherwise, Spitz puppies may experience problems in the digestive system.
Feeding dry food
When choosing dry food, experts recommend giving preference to premium food products. As a rule, such food meets all quality standards.
Feeding with natural products
If the owner’s preference is for natural products, then some rules must be followed.
Firstly, food should always be fresh. Secondly, regularity is necessary, as well as balance.
The menu should include:
- Fermented milk products such as kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt.
- All types of meat except pork.
- Vegetables – cabbage, carrots.
- Porridge from buckwheat, rice, rolled oats.
- Fruits such as apples, pears, watermelons.
- Eggs.
- Sea fish without bones.
- Rye crackers.
Puppies should be fed strictly according to a schedule, at the same time. This approach will prevent puppies from gaining excess weight, which will negatively affect their well-being. If pets refuse food, there is no need to replace it, but it is better to wait until the animals are hungry.
Difficulties in transferring to adult food
It is possible that one of the babies will not follow the mother’s example and will not touch the prepared mixture. How to feed such a puppy? The solution is simple: smear the fool’s mouth with the mixture. You should not poke your muzzle into the bowl so that food does not get into the nostrils and then into the lungs.
You can feed your puppy with a syringe. You just need to act carefully. The piston is pressed with measured movements so that one drop at a time gets into the mouth. The next dose is poured in after waiting for the baby to take a sip. During feeding, the pet is placed belly down.
When a newborn adapts to adult food, disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract may occur. Babies experience constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. A timely visit to a veterinarian, who will make the necessary adjustments to the diet, will solve these problems.
The sucking reflex will cause newborn babies to wet each other's woolen items or body parts (paws, tails, ears). A bottle with a nipple or a miniature rubber bulb will help compensate for the unmet need.
What questions to ask the breeder when buying a puppy
Before concluding a contract, you need to ask several questions regarding the health, care and education of the breed. Questions that definitely need to be clarified:
- Has your pet received any vaccinations, which ones and when? You also need to ask for a veterinary passport in which the vaccination is issued.
- Are there any special health conditions?
- Inquire about the complexity of the teeth, and in males, about the testes.
- What drug and when to deworm?
- How does he eat and what to feed him?
- Do his parents have mental characteristics and how often are they passed on?
- You should also ask for the breeder’s contact information so that in case of an emergency you can call him and ask questions.
- You should also find out the availability of a set of documents. The breeder is required to provide a veterinary passport, puppy registration, and a document indicating the origin of the dog.
- How to walk with a puppy? For example, a husky needs many hours of walks and preferably in a forest, but the Yorkshire terrier and jack, on the contrary, are not dogs that require frequent walks.
Important! The breeder is obliged to provide the buyer with detailed information. If for some reason he cannot answer the questions, you should doubt the quality of the dog.
It is better to ask the breeder about the rules for caring for a specific breed.
Small tricks
The owner of a puppy who had to distance him from his mother can use some tricks to quickly adapt. For example, it’s worth asking for something that the dog or his mother played with while at the breeder’s.
If you are purchasing a very small dog, you can place a ticking clock in a towel, wrap it on all sides and place the baby next to it. This trick will remind him of his mother's heartbeat when he was in her womb. This trick works on all breeds, be it spaniel or dachshund.
History of the breed
Spitz are considered one of the oldest dog breeds existing on our planet. When and where these animals appeared has not yet been precisely established. However, it has been proven that Spitz dogs existed back in the Neolithic era. Often, during excavations of Stone Age pile dwellings, archaeologists found the remains of these animals.
Images of dogs of this breed are also found on artifacts of ancient Egypt, household items in the Baltic states, and stones from Lapland, Iceland, Holland, Germany and Norway.
The ancestors of the Spitz were large and medium in size. They were bred, as a rule, as shepherds and home guards.
Nowadays the variation of animals is a little different. Spitz have become much smaller in size and have acquired a more decorative appearance. This modification was caused by the work of breeders who, in the 18th century, began to improve the dog breed.
Does anyone have a Chihuahua?
If you are going to compete for championship titles, check with the seller how promising the puppy is in this regard .
Legal side of the matter
Buying a purebred dog is a legal transaction and must comply with generally accepted legal standards.
Here are the factors that are important:
- When purchasing under a contract, you must carefully study all its parties, since this is the same legal document that has legal force.
- When selling a dog, the breeder gives guarantees for certain qualities. If the characteristics are not confirmed, the buyer has the right to demand a reduction in the price of the pet or to terminate the contract altogether.
- After purchasing a pet, you should insure it, since the owner is responsible for all its actions.
Thus, buying a puppy at any age has its positive and negative sides. But careful attitude and competent upbringing will allow you to raise a loyal and intelligent pet.
Pedigree of Chihuahua
The quality of the breed should be of interest to those who dream of prestigious titles at dog shows. A clear proof of the purity of the breed is the parents of your four-legged friend . Once you see them, you will understand what his prospects are.
Although, there are no rules without exceptions: the cubs of large individuals do not live up to the expectations of the breeders and grow up less impressive than their parents. In turn, even very small puppies, when growing up, do not grow to parental size.
When studying a pedigree, they look at the homogeneity of the line , which also manifests itself in the family. This indicator indicates that the breeder accurately rejected non-standard puppies, as well as the pronounced characteristics and purity of the breed. For exhibition specimens this is quite significant.
It is considered acceptable for a puppy without show ambitions, but such dogs are not used for breeding.
First vaccinations
The first vaccinations are given at approximately 2 months. By this time, the immunity received by the puppy from its mother’s milk is already beginning to weaken, and therefore, if the babies are not vaccinated in time, they will catch literally every infection.
As a rule, puppies, and even adult dogs, are given complex vaccines that protect them from several diseases at once..
Such diseases include leptospirosis, hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza and enteritis - that is, the most dangerous infections for animals, which, even with early treatment, often end in the death of the pet.
CAREFULLY!
They are especially dangerous for puppies, and therefore it is very important to strictly follow the vaccination schedule suggested by your veterinarian.
Usually, the first vaccine is given at 8-9 weeks . Two weeks after it comes revaccination, which should not be skipped under any circumstances. After this, the dog is vaccinated at 6 and 12 months.
Starting at 12 weeks, the puppy will also need to be vaccinated against rabies..
Make a decision that's best for your puppy.
In the case of animals, it is difficult to develop one universal approach that would ideally suit all breeds and species, because each animal is completely individual. This is why it is so important to evaluate the temperament of the mother and the temperament of the puppies before making such a life-changing decision. However, it is possible to give a clear answer to the question of whether it is possible to separate mother and puppy for up to eight weeks. Of course not.
In countries fortunate enough to have a fairly small population of street dogs and a well-developed dog breeding industry, people will find it wild and absurd to wean a puppy from its mother before it is at least eight weeks old. But unfortunately, in some countries, especially with a large number of street dogs, they are viewed as pests or even as food. There is no special legislation that would protect dogs, and therefore puppies are sold at the age of five weeks or less. At this age, puppies should under no circumstances be sold, no matter how cool and mature they may seem.
Much debate has led to eight weeks being defined as too early and 12 weeks too late, so the sweet spot lies somewhere in between. A good indicator of maternal readiness to wean from the puppy can be perceived as her leaving him at the moments when he asks her for food, or belching food. Feeding the puppy takes a lot of energy from the mother, so it is in her best interest to speed up the weaning process.
The number of puppies also matters. It is quite logical that a dog with several puppies will speed up the weaning process, while a dog with one puppy will slow it down. Although a dog's actual emotional state is difficult to determine, some signs can still indicate it. For example, if a dog sleeps with its head on the puppies, it means that it is still not ready to be separated from them.
The temperament of puppies also determines their readiness to be separated from their wet nurse and find a new home. Weak and undeveloped puppies always need more time to socialize and prepare for a new life. Such puppies can be taken from their mother when 12 weeks have passed after birth. But puppies that feel quite confident and are eating well can be sold after just nine weeks, provided that they have already distanced themselves sufficiently from their mother.
Coat
The coat of the Pomeranian Spitz breed is divided into three parts, which are:
- on the body;
- on the tail;
- on the limbs.
The coat on the body is of a double layer: the first layer is a thick undercoat, consisting of short and soft hair, the second layer is a coarse, shiny-looking coat with long guard hairs.
Wool richly covers the tail of the Pomeranian Spitz.
Beautiful and extremely thick hair covers the dog's front legs. On the upper thigh, down to the hocks, there is a long, fluffy hair that covers the remainder of the hind legs.
How to determine age by teeth
An accurate method for determining age is to examine the dog's teeth. Like humans, animals' teeth change once in a lifetime. Based on the condition, you can roughly calculate the number of years. An accurate assessment is possible if the dog has the correct bite, the animal was kept in good conditions, without serious illnesses. The age of a dog by teeth helps to determine the number of full years for pets without accompanying documents.
For puppyhood, the following laws apply:
- The newborn has no teeth. Milk hooks and fangs will begin to cut on the 20-25th day. The incisors appear at 30-35 days, and the primary molars appear a little later. At 1-2 months the puppy has a full set of teeth, if there are no deviations. Usually puppies are kept with their mothers until 2-3 months.
- The second stage of determining age is the change of teeth. The toes, or front incisors, are the first to change at 2-4 months, depending on the breed. 3-5 months is the time for the change of straight teeth - middle incisors, up to 4-6 months the edges change and at about the 6th month new canines grow.
- Final stage. As dogs grow, their teeth change. The molars and false molars change, and the remaining teeth grow. At one year the dog has a full set of teeth, the animal is large and muscular. Only the fur is short. The one-year-old pet has snow-white teeth with characteristic tubercles.
In large dogs, the change from dairy to primary is faster. Diseases and ear cropping can slow down the course. The described slows down the development of the puppy as a whole.
In the future, to determine the age of the quadruped, they look at the abrasion of the tubercles. Young incisors and molars exhibit specific trefoil-shaped protuberances that disappear as they grow older. To clarify the number of years, look at the form:
- 2 years – the tubercles on the hooks on the lower jaw are erased;
- 4 years – the tubercles on the upper hooks are erased, the color of the enamel becomes dull;
- 5 years - the tubercles are erased from the incisors, yellowing of the enamel is noticeable. The fangs become a little dull;
- 6 years – worn incisors take on a concave shape, it is difficult to determine the correct bite:
- 8-10 years - the crowns have time to wear out, the fangs are short and blunt, the teeth are yellow;
- older age – teeth become loose and fall out, tartar is visible, caries is possible.
Many factors influence tooth wear. The correspondence between the age of a dog and a person can be clearly seen from the teeth. The older the pet, the more likely dental disease is. Older pets often have their teeth specially cemented and strengthened so that they do not wear out. They carry out procedures to treat caries, remove plaque and tartar.
Teeth wear out faster than expected in dogs with malocclusion. The scissor type speeds up the process 2 times. Underbite helps maintain hooks on the lower jaw. Carrying hard objects, stones or iron accelerates tooth wear. Dogs in kennels often chew on iron bars, which accelerates tooth wear. It is not advisable to give hard bones to dogs often. And soft food leaves its mark - teeth become fragile, loose and susceptible to caries and the formation of tartar.
How to choose a healthy puppy?
Japanese Spitz puppies are sold at the age of 2-3 months after vaccination: at this age they already eat food on their own and can live separately from their mother. Looking like plush toys, white Japanese Spitz puppies captivate with their incredible charm and irresistible attractiveness to everyone who sees them, especially children. Their fur is thick, soft and snow-white, and their eyes and nose are black. They are extremely friendly, happy, full of life creatures. Babies never get tired of playing with each other or with people who treat them with care without overpowering them.
The first months of life in a new home
Puppies do not come with instructions, you will have to learn to live with the dog. Once your puppy is in your home, he will be interested in getting to know his surroundings , so give him the opportunity to explore the apartment. Prepare a cozy place for him where he can rest and sleep, decide in advance on the rules : can the dog sleep on your bed, will you let him into the kitchen and other necessary prohibitions. Puppies are very curious, so you should eliminate potential dangers in the house: remove wires and breakable objects, limit access to the balcony . Once the puppy has settled in, offer him familiar food and water. Remember that the baby still has a rather fragile digestive system; be sure to check with the breeder what food the puppy should be fed . If possible, do not change it, but introduce new food gradually, monitoring for any undesirable reactions in the form of bowel movements or allergies.
At first, try to monitor the dog’s movements in order to protect it in time. Be sure to get advice from the breeder regarding future walks, feeding regimen and other issues that concern you.
Also try not to leave the puppy alone at home for a long time . Accustom him to separation in advance by leaving him alone in the next room, first for 15, then for 30 minutes, gradually increasing the time. This way you will allow him to adapt.
Having a puppy in the house is an important and responsible decision. Before you buy him, make sure that you choose the right breed for you, a conscientious breeder, do not rush to wean him from his mother as early as possible, let him socialize and then you will fully enjoy life with a dog.
Trimming
Trimming is the process of removing dead hair to give your pet a neat appearance.
According to the standard, trimming the Pomeranian breed is allowed around the paws, on the hip, from the back, to the hocks. It is allowed to remove or trim unnecessary hair around the anus. You can also remove stray hairs around the edges of your ears.
If you go beyond the permitted haircut, you risk being fined at the exhibition.
Other ways to estimate a dog's age
Physical examination is used to determine age. If the teeth do not give a complete picture or there is a high probability of making a mistake, look at:
- Muscle tone. The young age of a person and a dog will show a healthy body: well-developed muscles, activity. A young dog will start running more than sleeping. Older dogs will prefer to sleep longer and walk less. Older people develop muscle atrophy or obesity.
- Wool cover. Pure silky and soft fur is characteristic of a young animal. The older the dog, the coarser the coat and the faster it gets dirty. If the color is dark, the older dog will have gray hair visible on its muzzle near the lips. This is a subjective assessment of the dog’s age; the condition is greatly influenced by housing and nutritional conditions. Some breeds are completely devoid of fur.
- Eyes. Clarity and sparkle in the eyes are inherent in any dog in puppyhood and in adulthood. An old dog's eyes are cloudy, dull and opaque. Eye diseases usually appear in older dogs.
Large dogs age faster. An individual process takes place. Usually after 10 years, various diseases appear. With proper care, your pet will live a long time. An old dog requires special treatment.
Number of newborns
Caring for a toy breed dog is especially important during pregnancy.
Pomeranians have long been domesticated, so the period when puppies are born is especially important for them - at this time the females are extremely vulnerable.
Spitz bear their cubs for an average of 63 - 64 days. However, you need to be careful already on day 58. A dog gives birth to one to three puppies. A dog's small body is not designed to carry more puppies.
Comparison of human and canine ages
Knowing the average life expectancy of a person and a dog, it is easy to determine the conversion factor as 7 human years for 1 dog year. A rough estimate is given. In fact, the human age of a dog cannot be calculated using this scheme.
The puppy develops quickly. In the first year of life, he manages to catch up with the development of a 16-year-old teenager. For this reason, puppies receive increased attention. It is recommended to devote a lot of time to education and proper feeding, or time will be lost. The exact age of a puppy is easy to determine by observing its developmental stages. At 2 years old, the dog will be 24 in human years. Then maturation slows down.
Medium and small pets age more slowly than large and giant pets. Medium-sized dogs are considered to have longevity; traumatic injuries to dogs are less likely. Small pets go through 5 human years per year, large ones – 6, and largest ones – 7 years.
14 years of a large dog - 108 human years. The relationship between the age of the dog and the person helps determine the rules of care. From the age of 8, dogs are considered to be old; indeed, at the age of 55-66 people retire, their workload decreases, and their diet changes. The coefficient shows that small breeds are able to live longer.
