Congratulations! You’re the proud parent of an adorable puppy! If this is your first puppy, you’re probably nervous about what’s in store for both of you over the next year or so. The next 18 months are a whirlwind of growth for your dog, emotionally, physically, and socially. And like their human counterparts, dogs grow in distinct developmental stages. Knowing what to expect and when can make a big difference in successfully training and living with your pup. What happens during these important periods of your puppy’s first year and a half will set the stage for his adult life, influencing his resilience, obedience and inner sense of contentment. Even if you’re an old hand at puppy-raising, you may be surprised at what some recent studies have brought to light when it comes to puppy development.
The most visible changes occur on the outside as your puppy grows from furball to fully mature. You may be wondering, is your puppy developing normally? When should his eyes open? Shouldn’t he have his permanent teeth by now? Is he ever going to stop growing? While physical development varies from breed to breed, there are certain traits that all puppies share. This section will take you through each major stage in physical development.
And what about his behavioral development? When should he start eating solid food? Is he biting too much? Humping your kids? Peeing on the floor when you walk in? Should you ignore him when he cries at night? When do you have to worry about him—or her—developing an interest in the opposite sex? Interestingly, there’s usually a good developmental explanation for certain kinds of behavior. Understanding why your dog feels compelled to act in a certain way can go a long way towards easing your training sessions and will help your puppy feel safe and secure as he takes big leaps toward adulthood.
The right kind of socialization is a big part of raising a puppy. How can you help your puppy be all that he can be? The first step is coming to terms with certain things he needs to experience before certain ages And when you need to introduce them.
Training, too, is best begun in puppyhood. You’ll want to start housetraining as soon as possible, but before a certain age he just can’t do it. Don’t expect too much, or too little, from your little one. And don’t forget the play! Just like a human baby, your puppy needs different toys at different ages to stimulate his growth and his instinctual traits.
This next year will be a rollercoaster of frustration and fun. With a little help from fetchdog.com, you can learn what to expect from your puppy at different stages of development, and with luck and patience, you will minimize the frustration, maximize the fun, and lay the foundation for a long and fulfilling friendship.
