Possible issues in the first year .

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Biting is a normal stage in puppy development , it is a normal manifestation of their prey drive . Through biting they engage with their environment with their mouths just like small children do. Difference is that pups have very sharp teeth up until week 20-22 when their not so sharp adult teeth comes through. Having sharp puppy teeth triggers weaning from mom , who will redirect them from suckling from her due to the pain to solid food provided by the breeder. 

Our hands are our most direct way of communicating with our pups, we can use our hands in a calming manner - to reassure, calm or to activate- excite the puppy. 

 Playing with our pups is a very important way to build a strong bond, however we must avoid any kind of games that involves puppy playing with our hands, hair or clothes ( sleeves or trousers) . Definitely no wrestling games where puppy is allowed or encouraged to bite - this can be extremely addictive for a pup who’s little brain is developing. Once puppy’s teeth come in contact which our skin they need to be redirected to an incompatible behaviour . Immediately STOP moving your hand ( turns into a dead prey for the pup and he looses interest) STOP the game.. You can always play tugging games instead with a rope or soft toy which again plays into their prey drive and they find highly enjoyable. Hiding treats around the room for them to find , or simply putting treats into a rolled up towel or cardboard box  is again highly rewarding as they get to hunt for their food . 

There are certain factors that can make your puppy bitey , one of them being tiredness or overstimulation. If pup is getting out of control simply lead to its quiet designated area ( crate, puppy pen where is her bed and leave in peace to sleep it off). Pups need a Lot of sleep in order to have healthy brain function and it can cause serious problems if they don't get enough sleep time.  Hunger can also get them overexcited so if you find pup gets quite bitey around feeding time is because he is hungry. 

Pups need their little brains stimulated for a healthy /optimal development . They need socialization , training and exercise . The opportunity to play with toys , hunt for their food - even by scattering their food in the grass for them to sniff out instead of offering it in a bowl can give them outlet to burn their excess energy and alleviate boredom. If they are under stimulated/ ignored by their owners  they quickly figure out they will get attention if they bite , and although is negative attention is still a reaction from owner . 

Puppy going to their forever home can be extremely stressful. Leaving mom and litter mates , long car journey , new environment they can all contribute to pup possibly having upset stomach for first couple of days. However this will improve quickly , especially if pup is fed exclusively the food provided by the breeder and no commercial treats for the first week or so. Adding a hard boiled egg, cooked pumpkin or sweet potato will also help firm stools.  Adding a probiotic like Protexin  ProKolin  - can be ordered from Amazon /vet or pet shops will also help little  tummies.  If soft stools last longer than couple of days family is asked to contact Viola to discuss possible reasons and get further advice. 

Certain breeds are susceptible to experience sudden pain and white swiss shepherds are very likely to experience it in the first year of their life . Puppy goes to bed happily then in the morning wakes up limping and not wanting to put pressure on one of the limbs. If there was no obvious rough play or bumping into something then most probably your pup is experiencing growing pains. Growing pains are not a specific medical condition  so a dog can not be diagnosed with "growing pains". Instead they are a symptom of a bone condition called panosteitis. Pup will need lots of rest and possibly an anti-inflamatory medication  to help with the pain. It usually lasts around 7 to 10 days and is possible to have 2 or even 3 episodes in the first 12 months of their life. 

Although rare , intussusception does happen in young wss puppies but also human babies. If you notice any two of the following signs in your puppy please take them to a vet asap and mention intussusception as might not be the first thing vets might be considering especially if they are not familiar with the breed. Warnings signs are vomiting and diarrhea possibly with blood, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and straining to pass stool. 

Intussusception is a serious blockage where part of the bowel slides into itself. It is extremely dangerous as blocks digestion  and cuts off blood supply. Can quickly become fatal and requires immediate surgery once is confirmed with a scan. 

It is extremely important that you purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder who offers insurance for the first few weeks to have cover just in case any unexpected health issues might suddenly arise that are out of our control.