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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Effects of dog-appeasing pheromones on anxiety and fear in puppies during training and on long-term socialization. If you’ve recently adopted a pitbull, have a pitbull puppy, or are considering getting one, then it is important to know how to care for this unique dog … Take your American pit bull terrier on a daily walk. Walking your pit bull at least once a day is a good start to fulfilling her exercise needs. Vaccinations help to prevent your dog from contracting potentially deadly illnesses, like Parvovirus or Rabies. Your aim is to get a well-socialized dog that is comfortable and happy with people, will behave on the leash, can accept other canines and will respond to your command. This can traumatize your puppy and lead to a poorly adjusted animal in the worst cases. Eventually, you can expose him to new things outside of the home. (Although I know I'll want to keep all of them. After that, make sure he sees the vet every year. Your puppy will also need the basic vaccinations that all puppies get, starting at 8 weeks old. One of the most important aspects to consider when caring for a pitbull is that this race is extremely energetic. You’ve welcomed a beautiful American Pitbull into your home, which now makes him or her an official member of the family unit. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Pitbulls can be very loving and friendly and can learn to get along with children very well. Jackson; S. W. Line, DVM, PhD, DACVB; and R. K. Anderson. The Pitbull can be traced back to 19 th Century England and was originally bred for hunting,... Temperament. Schedule an appointment for its overall physical check up. Some are minor problems which can be left untreated but monitored while others may require surgery as well as medication for life. So, when the temperature drops, look at ways to shield him from the elements, such as a waterproof dog coat to keep him toasty on his beloved daily walk. Consult your vet to be sure. Treats can also keep your puppy's attention around loud or possibly frightening situations like traffic, skateboards and bicycles. Your puppy needs to stay hydrated as well. I can't wait! ", "My pups are 12 days old. Usually a puppy will start whining, squatting, or jumping around if they need to use the restroom. answered everything, as well as making me a bit calmer for her big and super-exciting day. Sagi Denenberg, DVM and Gary M. Landsberg, DVM, DACVB. You can bathe your dog as often as once a month if they need it without harming the delicate balance in their fur and skin, but on average every couple of months should be enough to keep him smelling sweet (well, for a dog anyway). I love the result, thank you very much. Almost! Your puppy’s development Take your puppy to a veterinarian as soon as possible so he can be weighed and evaluated. Absolutely! You’ll need to feed, nurture, and train your puppy to become a good canine citizen. A crate helps keep your dog contained while you aren't able to supervise it. Weight issues – while not an illness in its own right, food-loving Pitbulls can also be a candidate for obesity if their diet is not kept in check or they are not exercised enough. Place the gruel on a flat or shallow saucer on the floor and dip your finger in it. Potty training, the “Sit”, “Stop” commands and such. Because of their size, muscular build and rather energetic nature, your Pitbull will need a high-quality diet that is specifically formulated for active dogs. Try again! Keep up with their healthcare. Give your puppy a nice and soft bed where it can snuggle in to rest. Consider hiring a qualified, experienced dog trainer to interact and teach your dog manners. Thanks so much. I’m glad you mentioned that you should try to start potty training around this point. Your puppy should have his first veterinary exam before you bring him home. Keep a bowl of water nearby for the puppy. Keeping your puppy stimulated mentally is as important to their health as regular exercise and proper nutrition. Let your pup exercise for an hour every day. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with two locations, South End/Bay Village and Brookline, Massachusetts. Guess again! Allow the dry kibble to soak up the milk replacement or water until it's soggy, then mix it up to the consistency of oatmeal. A cross between various bulldog and terrier breeds, Pitbulls were also used for ratting and dog fighting, which has unfortunately left them with a mixed reputation. I never knew to give the mother puppy food while pregnant. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Check local laws to determine a rabies vaccine requirement. ", "This article helped me in taking care of my pitbull puppy. Instead, you will discover a loyal, obedient and intelligent animal that will fast become your best canine friend. 3. The only training for a 6 week old puppy isn't really training as much as weening. This will only teach your puppy to be afraid of you, and may even cause it to react aggressively due to that fear. Don't leave your puppy alone for too long. But that doesn’t mean you should neglect the dog grooming all together, a short daily routine using a comb or rubber curry brush is a good idea to keep his fur in tip-top condition and help to maintain a nice, shiny coat. But with the right training and plenty of socialization from the start, your Pitbull pup will grow up to be an affectionate and fun-loving member of the family. Many pit bulls prefer an active, athletic lifestyle. Let your puppy know you're in control. I just feel this, plus my own research, "This article really helped me. Like a child, your puppy will need lots of exercise. It sounds important to start early so there won’t be very many accidents with the puppy later on. ", "Thank you so much, now I know how to treat my puppy.". If you must, leave him in an enclosed area like a crate or pen with plenty of toys. Training is probably one of the most important things about dog care. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? A combination of these methods should be used in order to best protect you and your dog! It helps to keep them from becoming bored, as well as use up a lot of energy! Read on for another quiz question. Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Kneecap dislocation – otherwise known as patella luxation, this is where the kneecap moves out of its normal position. This article has 18 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. 2008, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Take-Care-of-a-Pitbull-Puppy-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Care-of-a-Pitbull-Puppy-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Take-Care-of-a-Pitbull-Puppy-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/aid805427-v4-728px-Take-Care-of-a-Pitbull-Puppy-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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