Care
As with most domestic animals, puppies require extensive care, especially in their first few months. Vaccinations are very important within the first 3 months as the motherly antibodies from the initial breastmilk wear off. Vaccinations are often administered annually in the form of boosters, and - in some locales and for certain vaccinations - triannually. After the initial vaccination series (usually by 4–6 months), puppies who are immunized against common viruses will get confirmation from their veterinarian that it is safe to bring the puppy around other dogs. From this point, going outside the home for walks, trips to the park, to the petshop and so on can be very valuable. Training puppies on an individual basis and in a social setting is highly recommended, often starting at home immediately (even as early as 8 weeks of age) and continuing through formal training (around 6 months of age) in an obedience class or similar setting. A well trained puppy will ideally not soil in the home, be well-behaved around dogs and people of all kinds, will not chew furniture or other expensive and/or valuable items, and should respond to basic commands such as sit, lay down, off, no, drop, stay, heel, come and so on. Puppy food, found in dry, canned, raw and homemade forms, and often geared for certain breeds or types of dogs, should contain nutrients that allow puppies to develop strong bones, teeth, functional joints, a shiny coat, and a healthy immune system. Puppies often need to eat 2, 3 or even more times daily to accommodate their very fast metabolisms. Toys manufactured specifically for puppies may increase their ability to logically reason, and many chew toys also help ease the natural teething process. Proper care extends to the adult stages of life, beginning at 1 year of age.
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