New Puppy

Do you find yourself in any of these situations?

"I just want a well-behaved dog as a member of our family, and we want to get started right away!"
"The biting/mouthing is out of control!"
"They are jumping on everyone in excitement."
"I think they have kennel or crate anxiety."
"They just won't listen to any of my commands!"
"Oh my gosh, they are terrible on the leash!"

Puppies are HARD! Either you are a first-time dog owner, or you haven’t had a puppy in a while, or maybe you have always had or adopted adult dogs, so you’re new to the puppy stages – regardless of the scenario, it’s hard! The most important thing for you to know right now is that just like children growing up, there are multiple development stages for puppies, and you want to be familiar with those stages to best prepare for them.

Eight to Twelve Weeks

This is a permanent memory stage, so make sure you socialize in all areas. Just make sure it is happy and positive!!

Six Months

About 6.5 months teething should reduce significantly or eliminate itself because their adult teeth are all in, and gums have generally healed up.

Six – Twelve Months (sometimes 18 Months)

Adolescence – This can be challenging for many dog owners, just like parents of human children. The plus side of puppies is it only lasts a few months, not years like teenage children! There are SO MANY changes, including sexual maturity (hormones are raging during this stage,) lack of impulse control, and brain development changes, all of which make it difficult for the dog to process training and listen with distractions!

For years I have told clients that there is a lightbulb moment between 12-18 months that goes off in the dog's head, and suddenly they "get it!" ALL the training and work you put in for the last year finally pays off, but boy, what a year it can be!