puppy

A puppy is a young dog. Puppies are born blind and deaf, completely reliant on their mother for warmth and nourishment. Their eyes and ears open between 10 and 14 days after birth, and they begin to explore their surroundings.123

Puppies need good nutrition, warmth, and companionship to thrive. They typically eat three to four times a day from weaning until about six months old, then twice a day until maturity. Proper nutrition is crucial for healthy growth, as being overweight can lead to bone diseases, while underfeeding results in poor development.4

Socialization is vital for puppies. Between three and seven weeks, they learn from their littermates and mother, and this is when they become receptive to human contact, essential for bonding. The period between seven and twelve weeks is considered the best time to form human-dog relationships, influencing the dog's attitude towards people and learning.3