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

Abandoned puppies shock shelter staff (Pincher Creek Echo)

Four young puppies are the latest victims in a suspected case of animal cruelty in Pincher Creek.

Why stolen puppies proved too hot to handle (BBC News)

Thieves return nine dogs to their owner after publicity ruins their chances of selling them on.

Joining Photography Contests With Puppies As Your Subject (Turks.US)

One good way to display your photography skills is to join a contest. And when animals are the category you joined in, you can use your puppies as subjects for the competition. You'd find this a very stimulating activity as you are able to practice your skills as a photographer.

When puppies play, it's ladies first (MSNBC)

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.

Pitbull puppies stolen (FOX10 Gulf Coast)

Eleven pit bull puppies were stolen from a Pensacola home Monday. Their two owners were held at gunpoint. A momma pit bull watched with caution, because she's been on edge since Monday. Her two owners were held at gunpoint, while her 11 puppies were stolen. James Humphrey said, "Sure she knows, we had them mostly inside the house, constantly cleaning up after them, two seconds later, they're gone.

Deputies: Pit bull puppies stolen at gunpoint (Pensacola News Journal)

The Escambia County Sheriff's Office is searching for four men they say robbed a dog owner of his 12 pit bull puppies.

Chattanooga Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty (FOX 61 Chattanooga)

A Chattanooga Woman is facing animal cruelty charges after police say she left five puppies to die and another forced to survive by cannibalism.