Puppy guide for the first few months

So you’ve survived the first few weeks and are learning all about your new puppies character, so what can you expect in the next 4-12 months ?

Teething

Your puppy is now growing out of the biting phase, where out of excitement he may have nipped your fingers and toes and is now directing his playfulness at his toys. You may see the odd tooth fall out as they are replaced by their adult teeth. Increased chewing at this stage is normal so provide plenty of hard dog chew toys to prevent furniture and your belongings from teeth marks !

Attention

You may experience head butting from your puppy, this is purely for attention. They want you to play, give them a treat or keep petting them and head butting is simply their way of saying “keep doing that !”

This is a good time to reinforce bounderies and prevent over confidence, using your training techniques, treats or praise when the puppy has calmed. Using these techniques will also help to prevent over-excitement and jumping up when visitors arrive. Puppy Crates and playpens are great for time outs or when your puppy is over tired.

Confidence

Your puppy at 4-6 months may feel a reduction in confidence, this can show itself in a slower approach to strangers, barking “uffing” or running away and visitors should be advised to approach calmly and quietly to boost the puppies confidence.

At 6-12 months your puppy is now in early adolescence, have their first season if they are a bitch or may begin humping/mounting if they are a dog. Discuss with your vet neutering or spaying for pros and cons.

Your puppy will find a new confidence and boundaries can be pushed – reinforce your training techniques to calm your puppy. Older dogs may find your puppy quite irritating at this stage so this is something to watch out for and removing from a situation is advised if they become too boisterous.

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