Schnauzer Chronicles: The First Two Months of Puppy Parenthood

Raising a Puppy: Months 2 to 4

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding
experience. During the first few months of a puppy’s life, they
undergo significant development physically, emotionally, and
behaviorally. This crucial period is when your puppy will learn the
fundamentals of life as a part of your family. In this guide, we will
explore the key aspects of raising a puppy from months 2 to 4,
including the challenges of parvo, the ins and outs of potty
training, and doggy manners.

Building the Foundation
This time of your puppy’s life is a time of rapid growth and
development. During weeks eight through sixteen, neuron and
axons are synapsing at a high rate. You can liken these weeks to
that of a toddler. Once this time period ends, your puppy will still
learn, but this is the optimal time to teach them. Here’s what you
should focus on during this stage:
Socialization
Puppies are highly adaptable during this period. Expose them to
various people, animals, and environments to build their social
skills. Proper socialization is essential for a well-rounded adult
dog. Be sure to keep your puppy in a sling while visiting public
places. Never put your puppy on the floor; they can pick up life
threatening germs by doing so. Good places to visit are Home
Depot, Lowes, and pet stores.
Basic Training:
Start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Use
positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise to
encourage good behavior. Clicker training is a great way to train
your puppy.
Feeding:
Ensure your puppy is getting a balanced diet. Consult with your
vet to determine the right puppy food and feeding schedule. An
important part of developmental growth is feeding your puppy
proper nutrition. If you feed a low grade food, your pup will require
more food and defecate more. In the end you will spend more
time poop scooping and spending more money because they will
require more food. A good resource is :
https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/ Here you can evaluate what
food is optimal for your new family member.
Health Check:
Schedule your puppy’s first vet visit. This is a crucial step to
ensure your pup is healthy and free from diseases. Your vet will
do a basic health check and test for worms and other diseases. If
your pup is due for vaccines they will be administered at this time
The Potty Training Challenge
Potty training is a significant challenge for puppy owners during
months 2 to 4. It requires patience, consistency, and
understanding. A puppies bladder is small; they must be let out
often. They cannot “make it” through the night. It is so hard to be
up endless hours, but bringing home a puppy is similar to bringing
home a new baby. And, the time you spend now training your pup
will pay off later.
Create a Routine:
Establish a regular feeding and potty schedule. Puppies often
need to go outside shortly after eating, playing, or waking up. A
routine now will pay off later.
Positive Reinforcement:
When your puppy does their business outside, reward them with
praise and treats. Positive reinforcement reinforces the behavior
you want. NEVER use negative reinforcement- negative
reinforcement will only cause issues with your puppy.
Crate Training:
Many owners find crate training useful for potty training. Dogs
naturally avoid soiling their living space, so a properly sized crate
can help teach your puppy to hold it. Keep in mind that the first
few weeks, pups must be let out mid night as their bladder cannot
hold very much. As your puppy grows, they will be able to last
through the evening. When choosing a crate, make sure that it is
small. A puppy only needs a small sleeping space. If the crate is
too big, they will feel that it is ok to soil in the crate.
Be Patient:
Accidents will happen. When they do, clean up the mess without
scolding your pup. Negative reinforcement is counterproductive.
They will learn, it just takes time.
Parvo Awareness
Parvo, short for parvovirus, is a highly contagious and potentially
deadly disease that affects puppies, especially between the ages
of 6 weeks to 4 months. It’s crucial to be aware of the risks and
preventive measures.
Parvo can survive in the environment for a long time. Avoid taking
your puppy to places where they might come into contact with
infected feces, such as public parks or areas frequented by
unknown dogs.
Vaccination:
Parvo is typically preventable through vaccination. Your puppy
should receive a series of vaccinations starting at 6-8 weeks of
age. Talk to your vet about the right vaccination schedule. Keep in
mind that a puppy is NOT fully immunized until they have
received all 4 puppy vaccines. The puppy vaccination series
should be completed at around 16 weeks. At about 18 weeks,
your pup should be able to go out and enjoy life without the
chance of getting parvo.

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Final Thoughts
Raising a puppy from months 2 to 4 is a significant undertaking,
but it’s a rewarding one. Remember to provide your puppy with
love, consistency, and proper care to ensure they grow up to be a
happy and healthy member of your family. Keep a keen eye on
their health, especially with potential risks like parvo, and be
patient during the potty training phase. If allergies are a concern,
consider hypoallergenic breeds, and be ready to invest time and
effort into their grooming and allergen control. With the right
approach, your puppy will grow into a well-adjusted and cherished
companion. For more information, visit :

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/preparing-new-pup
py/