Breeding healthy puppies can be both satisfying and delightful, yet it carries a substantial responsibility. The well-being and joy of the puppies hold immense significance as they profoundly influence their future quality of life. Nurturing healthy and content puppies demands meticulous planning, readiness, and dedication.
In this blog, we will comprehensively address all the essential aspects of successfully breeding puppies that are not only healthy but also joyful. Whether you’re an experienced breeder or a newcomer, this guide equips you with the necessary tools and knowledge to secure the optimal well-being of your puppies.
Steps 1. Choose a breed that fits your lifestyle.
Whether you’re obtaining a puppy from a breeder or adopting from a shelter, conducting research into which breeds align best with your way of life is a prudent step. Ask yourself pertinent questions to facilitate narrowing down your selection. It’s crucial to be candid with yourself:
Living Situation: Are you situated in the countryside with ample acreage for your dog to explore, in a suburban setting with a smaller backyard, or within an apartment complex with limited green space?
Activity Level: Do you relish embarking on hikes or lengthy walks frequently, or do you prefer unwinding at home?
Travel Frequency: How often do you find yourself traveling?
Family: Are there children in your household?
Allergies: Do you or your family members have any allergies?
Both breeders and animal shelters can offer guidance on whether a specific breed aligns with your lifestyle. For a more relaxed lifestyle or apartment living, consider breeds like the Boston Terrier, Shih-Tzu, and Dachshund. If you’re inclined towards an active routine with regular hikes, runs, or possess ample outdoor space, breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Border Collies are well-suited to active households.
Steps 2. Connect with a vet
Your dog’s veterinarian can prove to be a pivotal asset and a VIP in your puppy’s journey. Reach out to family and friends for recommendations, as those with personal encounters may offer insights that online reviews might not encompass.
Engage the vet in discussions about their principles, fees, and protocols. Visiting the premises in person can provide a tangible sense of the environment and the team before bringing your puppy home.
Your comfort with the vet’s approach to care and their responsiveness to your queries is vital, as they will serve as a reliable ally in safeguarding your dog’s health.
Factor in the vet’s location and the availability of emergency care services. If emergency care isn’t available, it’s prudent to acquaint yourself with nearby emergency care facilities.
Secure an initial appointment promptly, preferably within your pup’s initial three days with you.
Steps 3. Prepare your home
After settling on the ideal breed for your lifestyle, the next stride is to ready your abode for the arrival of your new companion.
Prior to bringing your pup home, embarking on a comprehensive cleaning spree and eliminating all items prone to breakage or chewing is recommended.
This entails stowing away fragile objects like vases or pots, securing loose electrical cords, and introducing gates near stairways to establish a solid foundation for puppy-proofing your dwelling.
Steps 4.Get everything your pup needs
Absolutely, it’s essential to have everything your pup requires ready before they step foot in your house.
Here’s a list of vital essentials you should have on hand when you welcome your new furry friend:
- Bedding
- Bowls
- Crate
- Leash and harness or adjustable collar
- Vet-approved shampoo and brushes
- Puppy-safe toys (puzzles, chew toys)
- Poop bags (so. many. poop. bags.)
- Enzyme spray for accidents
- Baby gates
- Dog toothpaste and toothbrush
- Dog food
- ID tags
Steps 5. Know your puppy’s nutritional needs.
Understanding your puppy’s nutritional requirements is crucial. The array of food options available today can feel overwhelming. If the shelter or breeder has specified any special dietary needs, use our Diet Selection Guide to help you make the right choice for your pup. Remember, size matters when it comes to puppies. If you have a large breed puppy (expected to weigh over 60lbs when fully grown), opt for a large breed diet that contains the right ratios of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus.
We advise giving your puppy portioned meals rather than keeping food constantly available. This ensures proper nutrition and fosters food drive, making training easier. Initially, when you bring your pup home, you might need to provide them with 4-5 meals a day, depending on their breed. Most pet parents transition to 2 meals a day by the time their pup reaches 5 months old.
Steps 6. Make exercise a routine
Establishing a routine for exercise is crucial. Exercise greatly contributes to dogs’ overall well-being, helping them maintain a healthy weight and manage stress. Puppies have a natural inclination for play and need to expel their energy, but be cautious not to overdo it, especially when they’re young and their bones are developing—this is especially true for larger breeds, as their growth period is prolonged.
During their early stages, short walks for potty training serve as a suitable form of exercise. Combine this with engaging activities like fetch or hide and seek (hiding treats or toys around the room), providing both physical movement and mental stimulation for your pup.
Steps 7. Commence socialization from the beginning (safely)
Instilling successful interaction and response skills in your puppy—both with other dogs and people, as well as in various scenarios like car rides, storms, doorbells, vet visits, and grooming—is crucial for fostering a happy and confident canine.
This practice, known as socialization, can ward off stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues while also strengthening the bond between you and your pup. Research underscores that the prime time for socialization is from birth to around 16 weeks, a phase when your pup’s cognitive adaptability is at its peak.
Take it slow, remain patient, and bear in mind that every experience, object, and individual is novel to them. Positive reinforcement, encouragement, and treats will aid in building their confidence and comfort with new things.
Since some of a puppy’s socialization occurs before they receive full vaccinations, collaborate with your vet to devise a strategy that strikes a balance between their learning needs and safeguarding them from diseases.
Steps 8. Prevent separation anxiety
Most dogs are not comfortable being left alone for extended periods, and a portion of them (around 13% to 18% of dogs) may even develop separation anxiety—an intense distress when left solo.
Dealing with this issue demands patience and attentiveness to help your pup become comfortable with solitude.
Here are some tips: Teach your pup to be at ease with spending time alone in their crate while you’re present. Begin by leaving for short periods, like 5 or 10 minutes, and gradually extending the duration.
Initially, the maximum time you can leave your puppy alone will be determined by their bladder capacity. Until they’re 10 weeks old, you shouldn’t be away for more than an hour.
After that, they can generally hold their bladder for approximately an hour per month of their age (2 hours for a 2-month-old puppy, 3 hours for a 3-month-old puppy, and so on).
Foster a positive association between your absence and favorable experiences. For instance, stuff a durable rubber toy with a wholesome treat like bone broth or pumpkin, then freeze it.
When you leave, offer the toy to your pup. The frozen treat will engage them as they lick and enjoy it.
Prior to departing, ensure your pup gets some exercise through a walk or playtime so they can unwind during your absence.
Conclusion
Breeding puppies that are both healthy and content is a multifaceted endeavor that demands meticulous planning, readiness, and dedication.
By adhering to the advice and factors discussed in this comprehensive puppy breeding guide, you can establish a nurturing, secure, and caring setting for raising your puppies.
Regardless of whether you’re an experienced breeder or a newcomer, remember the significance of seeking guidance from trustworthy breeders or veterinarians to navigate the complexities of the breeding journey.
Your commitment to the well-being of these puppies will undoubtedly shape their future quality of life.
Image source freepik
