Is your puppy becoming an adult dog? It may be hard to tell. If you've had them since they were a young puppy, you'll remember the many changes they experienced: their teeth coming in, learning to play fetch, potty training and socializing.
But the older your pooch gets, the smaller and more subtle their developmental growth becomes. It's important for you, as the pet parent, to understand the changes occurring at every stage of puppy development so that you can keep up with their changing needs as they grow into an adult dog.
Your puppy won't reach maturity all at once. Like humans, dogs transition from baby to adult in stages, though the transition happens much more quickly for dogs. Here's what to look for as your puppy matures:
In puppy development, the time between reaching sexual maturity and emotional maturity is akin to human adolescence. This can be a challenging stage — at times your pup's behavior might remind you of that of a rebellious teenager. While not all adolescent puppies exhibit behavior problems, it is extremely common. It's important to be patient, but firm and consistent when establishing boundaries and expectations for behavior.
Though they may still have some emotional maturing left to do, your puppy's physical needs become those of a dog once they reach physical maturity. Here's how you should expect to meet your growing dog's changing needs:
It can be bittersweet to watch your puppy becoming an adult — but as much fun as the first year can be, there are few things more rewarding for a pet parent than getting to know the personality of the dog your pup was destined to become. Meeting their changing needs will help set the stage for a loving relationship that will reward you both for years to come.
Amy Shojai, is a certified animal behavior consultant, and nationally known authority on pet care and behavior. She began her career as a veterinary technician and is the award-winning author of more than 35 prescriptive nonfiction pet books.
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Discover the different nutrient requirements for your dog through each of his lifestages and how you can keep him happy, healthy and fit to play.
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
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