Limbs of puppies or even big dogs are there to propel them forward with speed and agility. However, those limbs are not made to support their weight when they are carried. Carrying puppies by their front legs can strain their muscles and potentially dislocate a shoulder or elbow. It hurts even when we do not react.

Signs of Good Health

1. Eyes: Should be bright and clear.
2. Ears: Should be clean and free of discharge, odor and redness.
3. Nose: Should be clean, without discharge or sores.
4. Mouth: Should smell fresh.
5. Coat: Should be shiny and clean.
6. Weight: Active, playful puppies are rarely overweight.

He may have some accidents at first, but this is normal. Realise that when time passes the bond between you and your new puppy will slowly grow and strengthen. You won’t necessarily love your puppy straight away and this is normal. One day, buying a puppy might be the best thing you ever did!

Besides stealing and playing keep-away, common puppy behavior problems include lack of house-training, hyperactivity, nipping, chewing, eating feces and getting sick in the car. Lack of house-training usually stems from giving the puppy too much freedom too quickly. Hyperactivity is probably just part of being a puppy.

Three-month-old puppies can wait for three hours, four-month-old puppies for four hours, and so on. After 6 months: An older puppy, like most adult dogs, has the ability to hold it for up to six hours.

A good rule of thumb is a ratio of five minutes exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is fully grown e.g. 15 minutes (up to twice a day) when 3 months old, 20 minutes when 4 months old and so on. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer.

The first method is called capturing. Stand in front of your puppy holding some of his dog food or treats. Wait for him to sit – say “yes” and give him a treat. Then step backwards or sideways to encourage him to stand and wait for him to sit.