Getting a new puppy is one of the most exciting events dog lovers experience, but it is not without its challenges.
Long nights, bathroom accidents and damaged shoes are typical of a new little one. On the other hand, so are snuggling, overgrown paws, and playtimes.
A dog’s life is divided into three phases: puppy, adult and senior. Puppies have specific needs, including a special diet and extra blankets, and most fur babies won’t have the attention span for training until they’re at least eight weeks old.
So when is a dog no longer a puppy and therefore can be considered an adult?
This transition is important to keep in mind because you will want to change your dog’s diet and routine.
Here are six key indicators that your pup is growing up, as hard as it may be to admit.
Age
Newborn cubs are completely dependent on their mothers; their eyes are closed, their movements are limited, and their bodies can only tolerate their mother’s milk.
They are so small that they cannot even regulate their body heat, so the pups stay close to their litter and their mother.
In most cases, pet owners can bring their new puppy home when they are eight weeks old.
At eight weeks, puppies should have completed the weaning process and can tolerate soft puppy kibble.
Between eight and twelve weeks, regardless of breed, your new puppy will still be small and clumsy, requiring extra support and supervision.
So when does a puppy become a dog?
Your puppy 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 (those weighing 50 pounds or more) are not fully developed until they are two years old.
Diet
You should be feeding your pup several meals a day by eight weeks of age, and you may be wondering when they can start eating hard foods.
While you can add solid food at eight weeks, not all dog foods are created equal.
Puppy food has extra calories and extra vitamins and minerals your furry friend needs to grow.
For the first few months, puppies will need four puppy-sized meals a day; be sure to stick to regular times so your pup gets used to a reliable feeding schedule.
At around three months, you can start to reduce your pup’s meals to three times a day.
Monitor your pup’s food intake to ensure he handles the switch to solid food and adjusts accordingly over the next few months.
Most dogs are spayed or neutered between six and nine months; this procedure will slow down your pup’s metabolism and you can probably switch to two meals a day.
You can also start introducing adult dog food around this age, but there’s no rush. Large breeds take longer to develop physically, so you can stick to puppy food until your little one is at least a year old.
Energy
Puppies need a lot of sleep, many sleep up to 20 hours a day. Their bodies are growing and the process requires a lot of rest.
However, when the pups are awake, they will be more playful. Expect many rounds of zoomies. Puppies are curious and will test your limits.
This phase doesn’t last forever, so give them plenty of playtime and attention when needed; You can also start by entering some essential limits and simple commands.
Small breeds will calm down around six months of age, while larger breeds will likely keep acting up until they are at least a year old.
Spaying or neutering your pup will also help even out his energy levels. As your pup matures, usually around a year, he should calm down noticeably (although larger breeds can extend this phase up to two years of age).
Behavior
You will notice some behavioral changes as your pup becomes an adult or reaches maturity.
Young puppies (those between three weeks and three months old) need a lot 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 with caution.
Introduce your pup to different sounds and experiences (such as driving a car, clipping nails, and visiting the vet).
Puppies need to get used to these situations at an early age. Otherwise, they could become overly anxious or fearful adult dogs.
When practicing a new experience, stay calm and bring extra treats. Your pup will respond accordingly and remember it as a positive experience.
Different sized breeds will enter their teens at different times.
Small dogs usually start producing hormones at around six months, with larger dogs closer to ten months.
There are some signs that your pup has grown into a young dog; he will still be fun, but he can push the limits.
Adolescent dogs can be destructive and won’t want to listen to you. Approach these changes patiently and maintain consistent expectations.
Dentition
When your puppy starts teething, it’s a clear sign that he’s growing up.
Puppies begin to erupt their permanent teeth around four months of age, although it varies by breed. You will notice that some of your puppy’s baby teeth will start to fall out (just like a human child’s teeth).
The growth of new teeth is uncomfortable.
Your pup will begin to chew everything to help soothe the gums. So be sure to hide any belongings you don’t want to get ruined.
Have lots of toys accessible throughout the house. Young dogs should stop teething around six months of age.
potty training
New puppies do not yet have complete control over their furry little bodies and can have accidents around the house.
It’s frustrating, but you don’t want to punish your furry friend for something they can’t control. However, you can start training at home right away. Maintain a routine with plenty of opportunities to get out.
Offer praise or treats when your pup eliminates outside the house.
By around twelve weeks of age, your puppy should be making better use of his bodily functions and will understand his daily routine. By six months of age, puppies should be fully house trained.
Final Thoughts on When a Dog Is No Longer a Puppy
Whether for humans or canines, the transition to adulthood isn’t always smooth, but there are many milestones along the way.
Keep consistent limits and routines, but have plenty of positive praise and treats for your pup as he gets older.
You will have a loving and trustworthy friend when he is fully grown.
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