Puppies are adorable, curious, playful and energetic. Their physical, social and cognitive skills develop throughout different stages of their life. Understanding these stages gives us an insight into what to expect. It also allows us to offer the right care and support so your puppy can grow into a happy, healthy, well-mannered dog.
0-2 weeks
Puppies in the newborn stage rely solely on their mother and will regularly drink their mothers milk as their only source of nutrition.
Your puppy will spend most of their time sleeping and drinking.
Their eyes and ears haven’t opened yet and they haven’t developed a sense of smell.
2-7 weeks
Puppies teeth start coming through.
Their senses are developing. Their eyes and ears begin to open so they can see and hear. They will start to become aware of their surroundings.
They will start to interact with their mother and litter mates, wag their tails, walk a little and bark. Important social skills develop over time with people and during play with their siblings and mother.
At around 4 weeks, drinking water and some soft puppy food can be introduced. By the time your puppy reaches 6 weeks they should be eating mostly solids and regular small meals each day.
8-12 weeks
At 8-10 weeks puppy will have full use of their senses and will be ready to go home to their new owners.
At this stage they will start their toilet and other obedience training. Puppy school can begin from 8 weeks until 16 weeks.
Your puppy will need their first health check at the vets to get their vaccinations and parasite control in order. It’s also a great time to discuss desexing and microchipping.
3-6 months
At around 3 months puppy starts teething, which can result in chewing to help relieve some of the discomfort. For tips to stop puppy chewing & biting click here.
Your puppy will start to explore and test the boundaries with their owners and other animals. It’s important to develop a positive training program to establish good manners.
Once your puppy has completed their vaccinations at around 16 weeks they will be ready to step out into the world. Your vet will also discuss your puppy’s long term vaccination program, which generally includes an annual booster.
6-12 months
By around 6 months of age, all the puppy teeth should have fallen out and adult teeth should have grown in.
Your puppy will generally reach sexual maturity between 6-24 months of age, depending on their breed and size. Desexing your pet is common between 4-6 months of age before they develop any unwanted behaviours.
Puppies at this stage need a great deal of stimulation and activity to keep their boredom at bay. To prevent misbehaving, keep up the training and provide plenty of opportunity for play and exercise.
12-24 months
If your puppy is a small to medium size breed, they are considered an adult at 12 months and may stop growing. For larger breeds, they will continue to grow in weight and height until they are around 18-24 months.
When puppies become adults, it’s time to transition their diet from puppy food to adult food to ensure they have a complete and balanced diet. Speak to one of our vets about the best diet for your pet’s life stage.
Most dogs reach emotional maturity between 12-24 months and will establish a temperament and personality that will remain for their adulthood. However, you can still expect some puppy energy and cheekiness, depending on the breed that can last for several more years.
Understanding the puppy development stages can give you insight into what to expect as they grow so you can provide the right care for your bundle of joy throughout their lifetime. If you have any questions about your puppy, please call us on 03 8784 4444.