Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

In summary, it is critical that breeders expose puppies to other dogs starting
at 3 weeks of age. Successful interactions are those that build confidence, are
not stressful, and do not frighten the puppy. Handling puppies younger than 5
weeks of age is not detrimental, as long as it is not extremely stressful and does
not induce fear. After 5 weeks, puppies should be picked up, petted, and handled
in a pleasurable manner with increasing frequency.
Socialization should continue when a puppy goes to his new home. It is
best to expose your puppy to as many positive experiences as possible. Take
him with you in the car and go for walks where you will see other people and
dogs. This allows the pup to get used to the noise and distractions of public
life and meet and play with dogs who are gentle, friendly, and well socialized.
From about 12 to 14 or 16 weeks, your puppy’s immune system will be in
flux. The maternal immunity he got from nursing is wearing off and his own
immune system is starting to kick in. At this time, it is best to have your pup
around only those other dogs whom you know are healthy and to avoid areas
where large numbers of unknown dogs may gather.
Acquiring a New Puppy
SELECTING A BREED
PEDIATRICS • 513
If you are planning to show and breed your puppy when he grows up, read
Breeding Purebred Dogs, page 430. If you want a pet or family companion, give
some thought to the type of dog that best suits your lifestyle. Dogs come in all
sizes, shapes, and mixtures, and all are equally loveable. Some dogs require
more exercise, more grooming, or more training. Some are too large for apartment
living or too small for ranch life. Some breeds are known for their outgoing
nature and love of children. Others have strong guarding and territorial
instincts. These are just some of the attributes that make one breed of dog a
better choice for a specific person than another. Mixed breeds generally have
the characteristics of the breeds that are predominant in the mixture.
A large selection of books about specific breeds is available at most public
libraries. The Complete Dog Book (an official publication of the American
Kennel Club) is an excellent reference and contains facts and information on
all breeds of dog.
A huge amount of information on dogs, breeds, and breed clubs, is available
through the Internet. Many breeders and breed clubs maintain web pages
and provide photographs and information on their breed and their breeding
programs. Keep in mind that information on the Internet is not regulated.
Use it as a good reference, but confirm what you read from other sources. If
a breed sounds too good to be true—no health, behavior, or temperament
problems—it undoubtedly is too good to be true!