For a 12-week-old puppy, which is recommended?

For a 12-week-old puppy, which is recommended?

• A. Avoid touching their face and ears.
• B. Let them get used to being touched; bathe and dry; trim nails; clean ears.
• C. Cut coats now.
• D. Avoid brushing.

Answer: (B)

Grooming socialization and acclimation through positive handling is what this item emphasizes. At 12 weeks, a puppy is learning to tolerate human touch, so it’s best to start gently exposing them to being touched all over and to common grooming tasks. Letting them get used to being touched, then introducing a brief bath and thorough drying, along with polite nail trimming and ear cleaning, helps them form calm, positive associations with grooming. Doing these activities in short, low-stress sessions with praise and treats builds confidence and sets up smoother care in the future. Cutting the coat now isn’t necessary unless breed or breeder guidance calls for it, and brushing should be part of routine care rather than avoided, since regular brushing helps coat health and familiarizes the puppy with grooming tools.

Grooming socialization and acclimation through positive handling is what this item emphasizes. At 12 weeks, a puppy is learning to tolerate human touch, so it’s best to start gently exposing them to being touched all over and to common grooming tasks. Letting them get used to being touched, then introducing a brief bath and thorough drying, along with polite nail trimming and ear cleaning, helps them form calm, positive associations with grooming. Doing these activities in short, low-stress sessions with praise and treats builds confidence and sets up smoother care in the future. Cutting the coat now isn’t necessary unless breed or breeder guidance calls for it, and brushing should be part of routine care rather than avoided, since regular brushing helps coat health and familiarizes the puppy with grooming tools.