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Pups growing, learing and needs

July 7, 7:59 PMLA Pet Care ExaminerAndrea Mckeeby
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Every day, your pup gets a little bigger, a little stronger and adds more joy to your life. Like a teen your pup pal is changing quickly, learning many things and tests the boundaries every chance they get. Here are some tips to help strengthen your bond and keep your pup healthy and happy.
 
Play time
Even just 15 minutes of fetch, tug, chase or any-other active play time will help burn up your pup's boundless energy while helping to enhance your relationship.
 
Toys, toys, toys
A few ideas would be leave only a few of your pup's toys out at a time, changing the selection every couple of days. This will make your pal feel like there is always something new to play with and help to keep them from playing with those items you don't want them to such as shoes, socks and anything else they can get their mouths on. Another idea is to keep a big bowl or box with their toys in it. This gives them something to do and choices each day of what they want to play with.
 
Added note on saving a few dollars:
If you find toys on sale or in the discontinued bin buy them up. Give the pup a few and store the rest. When the old ones become worn out toss them out and give them the new one. This gives them the feeling of a new toy or if they have a favorite (replace when they aren't looking) and they will not miss it. Another helpful idea is for the plush toys that have made it (no stuffing falling out ect.) wash them with a tiny bit of detergent and they are good as new and cost just pennies to wash. There is always the option if your handy to make toys for them. Just make sure there isn't anything that can harm them on the finished project.
The goods and foods
As your pup grows, that doesn't mean it's time to give them adult food. Healthy puppy food is specially formulated for a developing pup's needs. And don't forget the healthy treats (they are key to making training for you both). Anything from carrots to healthy pup treats is good.
 
Visit to the vet
Around six months is usually a good time to have your pup spayed or neutered (if possible go for the laser procedure, it's less painful for healing, a faster process and faster healing time). There are many benefits to having them fixed such as longer life, healthier and even can be better behaved. This is if you choose to have them fixed. Some people want to breed their pup. I suggest that if that's the case about 10-12 weeks after they give birth and the new pups are eating on their own that you then have them spayed. It will help for future complications that may come up.
Added note:
This is a personal decision for each pet parent to make. Some think its the right thing to do and some don't. There are many debates on each side. These are tips and suggestions if you choose to spay or neuter your pet pal.  
 
Time to restock or replace?
Here's a good check list to take with you so you know what you need and don't over spend at the same time.
 
-Premium dry food
-Premium wet food
-Bitter-tasting spray (for those pups that love to chew things they shouldn't) Bitter Apple is on of the ones I've found to work well).
-A clicker for training (nothing fancy here, normally you can find them for .50 cents to $1.
-Collar in a larger size (not to big so that there can be problems with the collar getting stuck on something).
-Dog bed for your growing pup
-Walking harness
-House breaking pads
-Treats 
-Toys to replace the old worn out ones
 

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