From puppyhood to seniors, dogs go through many different development stages, all of which require owners to adapt their care giving, including feeding, training, play, and more!
Here are a few things that may help you with your dogs!
Puppyhood
Puppyhood is from birth to 6 (smaller breeds) - 12 months (bigger breeds).
During this time, their little brains are like sponges, so this is the time where lots of learning and socialisation takes place. It is your job to ensure that this socialisation is positive.
You should expect toileting issues, as they don’t have bladder control until 20 weeks, as well as lots of chewing and biting, as they will be teething.
Between 6-16 weeks old, puppies have their socialiation period, and within this, they have their first fear period. This is the time they learn about what to be scared of, and what is safe. If something happens during this period that they feel is scary, this can affect them for the rest of their life.
Adolescent
Adolescence, or the 'teenage' stage, can start as early as 6 months old (in bigger dogs it could be anywhere up to 12 months), and will end before 3 years old. (Again, smaller dogs will mature quicker, and it could end as early as 18 months old).
This is where they’ll reach their adult height... but they'll still look lanky and leggy, especially in bigger breeds!
During this time, hormones are going crazy, so you should expect more unwanted behaviours, such as chewing and ignoring you. They learn to be more independent, so having a lack of recall as well as escaping homes can be common. Typically, they are also more hyperactive too, and will need more training, exercise, and mental stimulation.
This is also the time that they become sexually active, so make sure to supervise all interactions with other dogs. Females will have their first season, and males will likely want to come to say hello. Males may also begin to hump.
They will have their secondary fear period at some point during this time too. Just like in puppyhood, they are learning what they should and shouldn't be fearful of. Positive interactions and socialisation can help them get through this.
Adult
Your dog will become an adult at some point between 18 months - 3 years (earlier for smaller breeds).
This is when a dog’s hormones settle down and they become more mature. At this stage, they’ve been through all the crazy stuff, so unless something big happens, the likelyhood is they wont develop any new behaviour problems.
Your puppy can go onto adult food at this point, and you can start going on longer walks and doing more exercise too!
Senior
A dog will become senior between 7 - 10 years, depending on the breed.
They will gradually slow down, and although they need less exercise, don't cut it out completely! It might just be a little slower!) It’s important they keep fit as overweight dogs are more likely to suffer worse with arthritis.
Elderly dogs will start to sleep more and eat less, they thrive on routine, and can become more clingy as they start to loose their sight and hearing.
They will need more health care and preventative measures, including regular health checks. They’ll become more sensitive to extreme temperatures, as well as becoming more prone to dehydration. They may begin to have accidents as their bladder grows weak. Stiff achey joints can be soothed with additional comfy bedding, and less travelling up and down stairs, jumping into cars, etc.
You may have also heard of ‘doggy dementia’, which is a really sad part of growing old. Signs include staring at walls, walking into things, and not recognising people.
The important thing to remember, is that although they can't do as much, they still need just as much love!
Check out some of my other blog posts for more tips and tricks!
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