It's hard to believe that your little ball of fluff is already 11 weeks old. Time sure does fly when you're having fun... and cleaning up pee!
As you continue on this puppy raising journey, we want to make sure you have all the tips, advice, and resources you need to raise a happy, healthy, and well-behaved pupper. So, what can you expect from your 11-week-old furball? And how can you make sure they're getting the right care and attention at this crucial stage? Let's dive in!
This week's focus:
Should you let your puppy sleep in bed with you?
The important 16-week socialization window
Setting up a long-term confinement area
How to choose the right trainer
Staying positive and more
Should Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed?
This is all about personal preference. Once your puppy is potty trained, it's totally okay if you want them to sleep in your bed with you.
The only time it can be troublesome is if a dog starts to guard the bed from people or other pets. You'll also want your pup to feel okayabout sleeping alone in case you're away.
There is a risk of jumping off the bed and injuring themselves, especially before they're fully grown – our veterinary team has seen this happen all too often. Using pet stairs can help.
DID YOU KNOW?
We answer any questions you may have in our Puppy Center.
Our behavior and medical team does this for free!
So, let us know what you're struggling with or if you have a question about a dog product or puppy milestone. Ask Us!
Don't Forget the 16-week Socialization Window
Just a friendly reminder – the critical socialization window for your little furball ends around 16 weeks old. That means it's super important to positively expose your puppy to as many new experiences, people, and animals as possible within the next 5 weeks (and beyond) so they grow up to be confident, well-adjusted adult dogs.
If your puppy is struggling with being confined in their crate, use a larger puppy playpen to ensure a safe place for them to hang out while not under direct supervision.
Puppies can be frustrating! But they're just trying to figure out how to be dogs in a human world. Set them up for success by managing their environment to prevent unwanted behaviors and heavily reinforce behaviors you want with positive rewards, like treats, praise, and play.
There's never any reason to resort to punitive punishments like yelling, hitting, collar popping, etc. In fact, those tools and methods can cause long-term damage to your relationship with your pup and can contribute to future aggression. They are best avoided at all costs.
Having the support and expertise of a dog trainer helps you get through puppyhood and adolescence with less stress! But did you know that the dog training industry is unregulated?
This means that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer and charge for services, even if they've never completed any education or obtained professional certifications that prove they know what they're talking about. Do your homework before hiring a dog trainer.
One of the first things often taught to new puppies is how to sit when asked. What's even better is when they sit without even being asked. They simply learn that it gets them things they want, like the door opening to go outside, or attention, or their food bowl... and more! It's easy to get started with this basic obedience skill. Start incorporating it into your daily routinetoday!
Track your puppy's socialization in an interactive checklist with our free Pupstanding app. It's an easy way to make sure you're keeping up with needed socialization experiences during your puppy's critical socialization period.
Puppies' eyes start to open when they're around 7 to 14 days old. Their basic vision is fully developed by the time they're 8 weeks old, but their distance vision isn't fully developed until about 16 weeks.
Dogs see the world in a range of blues, grays, and yellows, but can't see the range of greens, oranges, and reds like most humans. The fun mobile app, Dog Vision HD, lets you see the world as your dog sees it.
As long as your puppy is over 4 lbs, they should be started on flea and tick prevention. Flea infestations on puppies can result in puppies becoming anemic.
Fleas can also carry several diseases that can affect your dog AND your family. For humans, while rare, a flea bite can transmit cat scratch fever, typhus, and the bubonic plague in parts of the U.S.
Pets and children that live in homes with fleas can accidentally ingest them, resulting in tapeworms as well.
Additionally, once fleas are in your home, it requires a lot of time and money to treat and get rid of them.
Start introducing positive and calm experiences in the car at a young age for your puppy to prevent travel anxiety in the future. Often, puppies feel carsick, which contributes to anxiety in the car, so it's important to just spend some non-driving time in the car eating a meal or cuddling with you to create positive associations with the space.
Pro tip: To help avoid nausea, don't feed your pup within 2 hours of going for a ride. Your veterinarian can recommend some medication if your pup's car sickness is severe.
Wanting to spruce up your space with some greenery but worried that your puppy might want to chomp on some leaves? Beyond out-of-puppy-reach plant placement, invest in some dog-safe plants.
We've reviewed products for safety, efficacy, and durability. What we recommend is veterinary and behavior-approved.
Use a Pet Camera to Keep an Eye on Your Pup
Puppies can be little troublemakers, but pet cameras can be a big help in keeping an eye on them while you're away (or just in the next room). With live video, interactive features, and remote access, you can ensure your pup is safe, entertained, and happy until you come back home.
It's a great way to slowly introduce alone time, since you have an easy way of seeing how they're doing and can return if you notice signs of distress.
You'll want a dog bed that's the right size for your pup – big enough to stretch out but cozy enough to feel safe and secure. And don't forget to take your pup's unique needs into account – does your little guy run hot, or does she love to burrow?
You'll also want to pick a material that can hold up to some puppy chewing and is machine washable. With a little research and some trial and error, you'll find the perfect puppy bed in no time!
Check beds daily for any damage, as puppies will start with a small opening, then kablam – they're eating the stuffing!
Trouble sleeping? Try plugging in a calming dog pheromone diffuser. It mimics the pheromones a mother dog emits during nursing, and may help your puppy calm down and relax in their crate or playpen.
Make your puppy's well-being a priority by avoiding common safety hazards and training mistakes. Our 101Essential Tips book series comes in paperback and digital, and features bite-sized, easy-to-follow expert advice. Prevent problems before they happen.
