What to Expect When Raising a Puppy

[Jane]

You might have to take him out more often, some pups mature more quickly than others.
And if he is going on a rug, you might have to throw away that rug, as rugs cannot be completely de-odorized.
We tossed out our living room rug and are using the bare oak floors until next winter. Then we will get a new rug.
With time, he will be OK. Dogs usually make mistakes until they are at least 6 months. Especially if they are tired.
Here is an example, 3 weeks ago, our Lilly who is 10 months old had been swimming and playing all day long with us, and about 9 pm we were sitting on the sofa watching a ball game on TV, and Lilly was on my lap.
She let go! She was so tired that she didnt wake up until she had peed all over my lap and the sofa. The sofa is old,,,,,my husband and I were laughing so hard that poor Lilly didnt know what we were laughing at.
And our 9 year old grandson did the same thing, he was overtired from swimming all day too.
So as you see, it will happen now and then with both kids and dogs.
So dont get discouraged, its just what youngsters do.
Jane

[a.baker]

I love what was said about picking out a dog breed that fits your wants in a dog. I also like the way it was put how one needs to learn the "doggy language" to understand what their dog needs and why they do what they do.

I think personally until a dog is any where from 1 1/2 years old to 3 years old is when they start calming down and acting more like an adult dog. But temperament matters too of course. And patience is always the key.

[Pitty]

You explain realy good. Thanks for sharing. You are so right. I remember the first I got my dog, she was 2 months old and sometimes I get crazy what she did in the house. But you know you cannot getting that much angry while they are looking at our eyes..

[youbetcha1018]

Dogs can be neutered as young as 8 weeks of age, DEFINITELY have this done. It will prevent many future problems and will help curb pet overpopulation. So far you sound like you are making an excellent puppy owner. Obedience training can start any time, i strongly recommend that it be started early. The puppy should stop teething when its adult teeth come in at 4-6 months, but some dogs continue doing it as long as you let them.