This article is about the juvenile dog. For other uses, see Puppy (disambiguation). A Keeshond-Sibirian Husky puppy A Great Pyrenees pup. A puppy is a juvenile dog, generally less than one year of age that has not reached sexual maturity. The term is sometimes abbreviated to pup, a term also used for the offspring of wolves. Puppy size varies among breeds, smaller puppies may weigh 1-3 lbs, while others are 15-20 lbs. All healthy puppies grow rapidly after birth. Coats can change color as the puppy grows older, as is commonly seen in breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier. Contents 1 Breeding 2 Training 3 Physical alteration 4 References 5 See also Breeding Newborn Golden Retriever puppies Reputable dog breeders raise their animals in humane conditions, provide good socialization and often formal training, and adhere to the breed standard. They are knowledgeable about major health problems associated with their breed, and with the principles of genetics, frequently undertaking specific matings to produce or refine particular desirable characteristics in their dogs. Less than scrupulous breeding operations, known as Puppy mills, may provide less attention to genetics, prenatal care, and nutrition, and often produce puppies which are improperly socialized and in poor health. Training Puppies need to be trained and properly socialized to ensure good manners and safety throughout their lives. Training puppies is not always easy: it requires a lot of work, as they do not know right from wrong and must rely on the owner for guidance. Often, aggressive or skittish adult dogs can be blamed on the owner's lack of discipline and training.[citation needed] It is critical for puppy socialization that they interact often with humans and be exposed to a variety of objects and situations. Training of basic obedience can begin at the same time, although recommendations for how intense and how soon vary. Training for young puppies is generally recommended to be light, gentle, and fun; more like a game than an exercise. Most formal puppy classes accept puppies starting at three months of age, although some provide socialization classes for younger pups. Local dog trainers may also offer some in home training for younger puppies. Housebreaking can begin by the time the puppy is two to three months old, although they usually do not have enough control of their bladder to be completely housebroken until they are six months to a year old.[citation needed] Some find that using training pads is an effective method of housebreaking. Others prefer to use a crate training method. Physical alteration Some

When puppies play, it’s ladies first - MSNBC

It may not be such a dog-eat-dog world after all, at least among puppies. A new study has found that young male dogs playing with female pups will often let the females win, even if the males have a physical advantage. Male dogs sometimes place ...

Hundreds of horses and livestock evacuated - Los Angeles Times

Claudia Cahill returned home from Switzerland on Sunday, switched on the television and learned that the Marek wildfire was bearing down on the Lake View Terrace horse ranch that stabled her beloved Doonesbury. "I was worried. She's my kid!" the ...

Republicans unleash attack puppies on Barack Obama - Detroit Free Press

For more than nine months, America has gestated a campaign that was the dream of the Founding Fathers, at least on paper. The campaign reflected what they wrote, but didn’t live, a presidential race that reflected an America where all men are ...

Karen Heller: Health, education foremost for voters - Philadelphia Daily News

In an economy that resembles a natural disaster - except that it was man-made and avoidable - Americans are concerned about health care and higher education, and how they're going to pay for them. These are universal concerns. Without health or ...

The pop dream of teen queen Miley - BBC Entertainment

She is America's biggest teen idol, the star of her own hit TV show and has chart-topping films and albums under her belt. Miley Cyrus, a megastar at the age of 15, talks about fame, controversy and her future. The following achievements would be ...

Veterinarian promotes service dogs for vets - Charleston Daily Mail

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Morgantown veterinarian will testify before a legislative committee on the potential of service dogs for improving the lives of injured veterans. Dr. Jean Meade is scheduled to testify Monday before the Legislature's Select ...

Michael Rand - Minneapolis Star Tribune

After winning the Tiger Trophy and Tractor Game, the Tigers cruised to a victory that avenged last year's loss to the Lakers -- and got the Milk Can. Sep 27, 2008 Bad break spoils dream, but desire remains Cooper might have lost a quarterback, but ...