Getting a new puppy is one of the most exciting events that dog lovers experience, but it’s not without its challenges.
Late nights, potty accidents, and damaged shoes are typical with a new little one. So are the snuggles, too-big paws, and playtimes.
A dog’s lifespan is divided into three phases: puppy, adult, and senior. Puppies have specific needs, including a special diet and extra blankets, and most furry babies won’t have the attention span for training until at least eight weeks old.
So when is a dog no longer a puppy, and can it be considered fully grown?
It’s important to note this transition because you’ll want to change your dog’s diet and routine as it matures.
Here are six key indicators to monitor your dog’s age and determine that your puppy is growing up, as hard as it can be to admit.
Age
Newborn puppies depend entirely on their moms; their eyes are shut, their movements are limited, and their bodies can only tolerate their mother’s milk.
Because they are so small, they can’t even regulate their body heat, so puppies stay close to their litter and mom.
In most cases, pet owners can take their new puppy home when it’s eight weeks of age.
At eight weeks, puppies should have completed the weaning process and can tolerate softened puppy kibble.
Between eight to twelve weeks, no matter its breed, your new puppy will still be small and clumsy, requiring extra support and supervision.
So when does a puppy become a dog?
Your pup will continue to grow and develop, and most small and medium breeds are considered fully grown at 12 months.
However, some large and giant breeds, like the Great Dane (those weighing 50 pounds or more), aren’t fully developed until they are two years old.
Diet
You should feed your puppy several meals a day at eight weeks old, and you may wonder when puppies can start eating hard food.
While you can add solid food at eight weeks, not all dog foods are created equal.
Puppy food has extra calories, protein, and supplemental vitamins and minerals your fuzzy pal needs to grow. Most puppies are eager to eat and have an active appetite.
For the first few months, puppies need four puppy-sized meals a day. Stick to regular feeding times so your puppy gets used to a reliable feeding schedule.
When your pup is around three months old, you can begin reducing your pup’s meals to three times a day.
Monitor your puppy’s food intake to ensure that it handles the switch to eating solid foods and adjusts accordingly over the next few months.
Most dogs are spayed or neutered between six and nine months; this procedure will slow your puppy’s metabolism, and you can probably switch to two meals a day.
You can also begin introducing adult food around this age, but there’s no rush. Consult your vet to ensure your dog’s food meets its nutritional needs.
Large breeds take longer to develop physically, so you can stick to the puppy food until your little one is at least a year old before switching to adult dog food to ensure it gets the nutrients it needs.
Energy
Younger puppies need a lot of sleep — many snooze up to 20 hours daily. Their bodies are growing, and the process demands a lot of rest.
However, when puppies are awake, they’ll be extra playful. They have a lot of energy, so expect many rounds of zoomies. Puppies are curious and will test their boundaries.
This phase doesn’t last forever, so give them plenty of playtime and attention when needed; you can also begin introducing some essential boundaries and simple commands.
Smaller breeds will calm down around six months of age, while larger breeds will likely continue to act out until they reach at least a year.
Spaying or neutering your puppy will also help level off its energy levels. As your puppy matures, usually around one year, it should noticeably calm down (though larger breeds may extend this phase to two years of age).
Consult your vet to determine the right time to neuter your dog.
Behavior
You’ll observe behavioral changes as your puppy becomes an adult or matures.
Young puppies (those aged three weeks to three months) need plenty of socialization with people and other dogs.
Puppies are getting used to the world around them, and it can be scary, so it’s natural for them to approach new situations cautiously.
Introduce your puppy to different sounds and experiences (like driving in the car, having its nails cut, and visiting the veterinarian).
Puppies must get used to these situations at a young age. Otherwise, they could grow into overly anxious or fearful adult dogs.
When practicing a new experience, stay calm and bring extra treats. Your puppy will respond accordingly and remember it as a positive experience.
Different-sized breeds will enter their teenage years at different times.
Small dogs usually begin producing hormones around six months, and larger dogs are closer to ten months.
There are some signs that your puppy has grown into an adolescent dog; it will still be playful but may push boundaries.
Teenage dogs can be destructive and will not listen to you. Approach these changes with patience and consistent expectations.
Teething
When your puppy begins teething, it’s a clear sign that it’s growing. However, be cautious with those razor-sharp puppy teeth.
Puppies begin growing their adult teeth around four months of age — though it does vary based on the breed. You’ll notice that some of your puppy’s baby teeth will begin falling out (much like a human child’s teeth).
Growing new teeth is uncomfortable.
Your puppy will begin chewing on everything to help ease discomfort in its gums. So, be sure to hide any belongings you don’t want to be ruined.
Have plenty of toys accessible throughout the house. Young dogs should stop teething around six months of age.
Potty training
New puppies don’t have complete control over their little fuzzy bodies yet so that they may have accidents in the house.
It’s frustrating, but you don’t want to punish your furry friend for something it can’t control. You can begin house training immediately, though. Maintain a routine with plenty of opportunities to go outside.
Offer praise or treats when your puppy potties outside of the house.
Around twelve weeks old, your pup should have better use of its bodily functions, and it’ll have an understanding of its daily routine. By six months old, puppies should be fully house-trained.
Provide mental stimulation
Vet care
Health and veterinary care are becoming increasingly important as your puppy transitions into adulthood.
Significant physical and behavioral changes mark this critical development phase, and appropriate healthcare can ensure a smooth transition into a healthy adult dog.
During the first year, regular veterinary visits are essential to monitor growth, administer vaccinations, and perform necessary treatments for parasites.
Puppies undergo several vaccination rounds, and keeping up with this schedule is crucial to protect them from infectious diseases. As they grow, their dietary needs will also change.
It’s vital to consult with your vet about transitioning to adult dog food that supports their energy levels and overall health. In addition to vaccinations, spaying or neutering is commonly recommended during this stage.
This surgical procedure can prevent various health issues and unwanted behaviors, contributing to a more stable adult dog. It’s a topic best discussed with your veterinarian, who can provide personalized advice based on your dog’s breed and health.
Behavioral changes often accompany physical growth, and some puppies may begin to exhibit issues such as anxiety or aggression.
Regular check-ins with the vet can help address these behaviors early on, ensuring your dog develops into a well-adjusted adult.
Your veterinarian can offer guidance on training and socialization and even recommend professional trainers if needed.
Overall, prioritizing health and veterinary care during this transition fosters your dog’s physical well-being and lays a strong foundation for a happy and fulfilling life as a beloved companion.
Help your dog during the transition
As dogs transition from puppyhood to adulthood, they undergo significant emotional and social changes.
During the early stages of puppyhood, dogs require ample socialization with people and other dogs to acclimate them to their world.
This period is crucial for helping them develop confidence and ease any apprehensions about new experiences.
Introducing puppies to different sounds, environments, and situations, such as car rides and veterinary visits, can help shape their behavior and prevent them from developing excessive anxiety or fear.
As they mature, dogs may exhibit shifts in their behavior, ranging from increased curiosity and boundary-testing during their adolescent years to a more settled and calmer demeanor as they reach adulthood.
Young puppies are naturally playful and energetic, with a penchant for testing their boundaries.
During their teenage years, they may display more independence and challenging behavior, signaling the need for patience and consistent training.
Understanding and adapting to these emotional and social changes are essential for helping dogs transition smoothly into adulthood.
By providing your dog with positive social experiences, setting consistent expectations, and maintaining patience, dog owners can support their pets through these formative stages and lay the groundwork for well-balanced and well-adjusted adult dogs.
Manage the changes
Tips for handling changes in behavior and energy levels during this transition:
Exercise
As your puppy grows into an adult, its energy levels may fluctuate. Regular exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy balance. Ensure your dog gets enough physical activity through walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and excessive energy.
Training
Consistent training is essential during your dog’s transition from puppyhood to adulthood. Continue reinforcing good behaviors and set clear boundaries to prevent unwanted behaviors. Positive reinforcement techniques can be effective in guiding your dog through behavioral changes.
Socialization
Continue socializing your dog with other animals and people to help them adjust to new environments and situations. Positive social interactions can prevent anxiety and fear-related behaviors in adulthood.
Be consistent
Stick to a feeding, exercise, and training routine to provide structure for your dog. Consistency helps your dog feel secure and understand what is expected as it matures.
Provide mental stimulation
As your puppy matures into an adult dog, focusing on mental stimulation and enrichment activities is essential to foster a happy, balanced life.
Engaging their minds can prevent many common behavioral issues and enhance their overall quality of life.
Here are some tips for providing mental stimulation and enrichment:
Interactive toys and puzzles
Invest in interactive toys that require your dog to think and work for their treats. Puzzle toys and feeders, treat-dispensing balls, and snuffle mats combine play with problem-solving.
Training and obedience sessions
Continuing training as your dog matures is vital. Beyond basic commands, introduce new tricks or skills, such as agility training or service dog tasks.
Training sessions stimulate the brain and strengthen your bond.
Scent work activities
Introduce scent games to utilize your dog’s natural sniffing abilities. Hide treats around the house or yard and encourage your dog to find them.
You can also consider organized scent work classes to dive deeper into this activity.
Socialization opportunities
Maintain regular socialization with other dogs and people. Arrange playdates, visit dog parks, or join dog clubs.
Interaction with other animals provides emotional enrichment and keeps your dog confident and well-adjusted.
Varied exercise routines
Mix up your dog’s physical activities to include different environments. Take walks in new locations, go hiking, or try swimming.
New settings and experiences provide mental stimulation alongside physical exercise.
DIY obstacle courses
Create a fun and challenging obstacle course using household items or agility equipment. Encourage your dog to navigate hurdles and tunnels and weave through cones. This not only offers physical activity but also engages their mind.
Dog sports and competitions
Consider enrolling your dog in a sport like flyball, agility, or obedience trials. Participating in organized activities provides structure and challenge and enhances the bond between you and your dog.
Enrichment feeding techniques
Transform mealtime into a stimulating activity by using puzzle feeders or hiding your dog’s kibble around the house. This encourages them to think and work for their food, turning feeding time into a game.
Cognitive games
Engage your dog in games such as hide-and-seek, where you hide and ask them to find you or their toys. This reinforces recall and provides mental stimulation through playful interaction.
Rotating toys
Keep playtime exciting by regularly rotating your dog’s toys. This prevents boredom and encourages them to explore and engage with toys they may have forgotten about.
So, when is a dog no longer a puppy?
Whether for humans or canines, the transition to adulthood isn’t always easy, but there are many milestones along the way.
Establish consistent boundaries and routines, but give puppies plenty of positive praise and treats as they grow up and become happy, healthy adult dogs.
You’ll have a loving, reliable pal when it’s fully grown.