As a high number of our clients have puppies or dogs between 2 and 18months old, we thought we might shine a bit more light on what’s going on.
Just to clarify one often asked question; dogs older than 18months can certainly be trained, we have successfully trained dogs up to 12 years old.
To get started, the first 18 months of a dog’s life are crucial for their overall development and well-being. It is during this time that they undergo significant physical, social, and cognitive changes that lay the foundation for their future behaviour and temperament. It is said that you get your “fully grown” dog after three years.
First year is physical maturity, Second year is mental maturity and Third year is emotional/social maturity.
Overview of key developmental stages
The developmental stages in a dog’s life can be divided into distinct periods, each with its own set of milestones.
These stages include the neonatal stage (birth to 8 weeks), the early socialisation period (8 weeks to 4 months), adolescence (4 months to 8 months), continued development (8 months to 12 months), and the transition to adulthood (12 months to 18 months).
Birth to 8 Weeks
Neonatal stage: Development and dependency on mother
During the neonatal stage, puppies are highly dependent on their mother for warmth, nourishment, and socialisation. They spend most of their time sleeping and growing, relying on their mother’s care to develop basic bodily functions and motor skills.
Socialisation with littermates and early interactions
Interactions with littermates play a crucial role in a puppy’s social development. They learn important skills like bite inhibition, communication, and body language through play and exploration. These early interactions shape their ability to interact appropriately with other dogs later in life.
Introduction to basic senses and motor skills
As puppies grow, they start to explore their surroundings, using their senses to understand the world around them. They develop their sense of smell, sight, hearing, and touch. Additionally, they begin to develop coordination and basic motor skills like walking, running, and play-fighting.
Importance of a stable and nurturing environment
A stable and nurturing environment during this stage is crucial for a puppy’s overall well-being. They need a clean and comfortable living space, proper nutrition, and regular veterinary care to ensure healthy growth. Positive human interactions and gentle handling help build trust and confidence in humans.
8 Weeks to 4 Months
Transition to a new home and bonding with the owner
At around 8 weeks, puppies are ready to leave their littermates and transition to their new homes. This period is crucial for building a strong bond between the puppy and their new owner. It is important to provide a secure and loving environment to ease the transition and help the puppy feel safe.
Early training and basic obedience commands
Basic training should commence during this stage. Puppies can learn simple core commands such as sit, stay, and come when called.
Proper techniques focusing on relationship building should be used to encourage desired behaviours and establish a foundation for future training.
Introduction to crate training and housebreaking
Crate training and housebreaking are important aspects of a puppy’s development. Introducing them to a crate helps create a safe space and assists with housebreaking. Consistency, patience, and leadership are key when teaching puppies toilet training and to go in appropriate areas.
Teething and appropriate chew toy selection
Between 4 and 6 months, puppies start teething, which can be a challenging phase. Providing appropriate chew toys helps alleviate discomfort and prevents destructive chewing on household items. Ensuring a variety of textures and sizes will cater to their changing needs as they lose their baby teeth.
Adolescence and the onset of puberty
During this stage, puppies go through adolescence, which is similar to the teenage phase in humans. They experience hormonal changes and may exhibit behaviour challenges, such as increased independence or testing boundaries. Consistent training and guidance are essential to navigate this stage successfully. This time also marks the end of Puppyhood.
Continued socialization with other dogs and people
Socialisation remains crucial during this period. Continued exposure to a variety of dogs, people, and environments helps puppies develop good social skills and reduces the likelihood of fear or aggression towards unfamiliar situations. Arranging playdates with other well-behaved dogs can provide valuable socialisation opportunities.
8 Months to 12 Months
Continued physical and mental development
During this stage, dogs continue to grow physically and mentally. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them physically fit and mentally engaged. Activities like walks, interactive play sessions with trusted other dogs, and puzzle toys can help meet their energy and mental stimulation needs.
Importance of regular exercise and playtime
Providing young dogs with regular exercise and playtime is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. Engaging in activities that match their individual energy levels not only helps burn off excess energy but also strengthens the bond between the owner and the dog.
12 Months to 18 Months
Transition from Adolesce to adulthood
Around 12 months, puppies start transitioning from Adolescence to Adulthood. They may become more settled in their behaviour and develop a more predictable routine. However, they still require continued guidance, training, and socialisation to become well-adjusted adult dogs.
Sexual maturity and considerations for spaying/neutering
During this stage, some dogs may reach sexual maturity. It is important for owners to consider spaying or de-sexing their dogs to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the risk of certain health issues. Consultation with a veterinarian can provide guidance on the appropriate timing for this procedure.
Fine-tuning obedience and addressing behaviour challenges
As dogs approach adulthood, it is essential to continue reinforcing good behaviour and addressing any lingering behaviour challenges. Consistency, leadership, and patience remain key to refining obedience and ensuring a well-behaved dog.
Monitoring overall health and addressing any emerging issues
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial during this stage to monitor the dog’s overall health and well-being. Vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care should be maintained. Owners should also be observant of any emerging health issues or changes in behaviour and seek professional advice as needed.
Recap of key developmental milestones in the first 18 months
The first 18 months of a dog’s life are filled with significant milestones and developmental stages. From their early dependence on the mother to their transition into adulthood, each phase plays a crucial role in shaping their behaviour, socialisation, and overall well-being.
Investing time and effort in the first 18 months of a dog’s life yields long-term benefits. A well-rounded and well-adjusted adult dog is more likely to have good social skills, be obedient, and form strong bonds with their owners. This sets the stage for a fulfilling and harmonious lifelong relationship.
Responsible dog ownership involves understanding and meeting the needs of a growing puppy throughout their first 18 months. Providing a loving, nurturing environment, proper training, socialisation, and veterinary care contribute to the well-being and happiness of both the dog and their owner.
We love to get updates about how dogs we have trained are going. A recent example is Hewey.
He was sent for training as his main issues were excessive challenge barking, some reactivity, pulling when walking, lack of reliable recall and basic commands.
We recently received this update:
“We have been working with Hewie, from release-play to sit (at distance), to command ‘come’, and drop.
He is doing well and is now a joy to walk.
We continue to work on his reaction to bikes etc BUT there is a significant improvement there already.
Cheers, Peta and Mark ”
Always great to hear !
Dog training is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership, as it helps dogs learn appropriate behaviours and manners that allow them to liveharmoniously with their human families and communities.
However, not all dogs develop the same way and sometimes reactive behaviour manifests itself and can be challenging or even dangerous. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why dogs become reactive and how dog training can help address these issues.
What is reactive behaviour in dogs?
Reactive behaviour in dogs refers to an exaggerated or defensive response to stimuli, such as other dogs, people, sounds, or objects, that the dog perceives as a threat or a challenge. Reactive behaviour can manifest in various ways, depending on the individual dog’s temperament, history, and context.
Some common signs of reactive behaviour in dogs include barking, lunging, growling, snapping, or even biting. Reactive behaviour can also be associated with anxiety, fear, frustration, or aggression, and can be triggered by various factors, such as lack of socialisation, traumatic experiences, genetic predispositions, or inadequate training.
Why do dogs become reactive?
There are many reasons why dogs become reactive, and it’s often a combination of factors that contribute to this behaviour. Here are some possible causes of reactive behaviour in dogs:
- Lack of socialisation: Dogs that have not been exposed to a variety of people, dogs, and environments during their critical socialization period (between 3 and 20 weeks of age) may become fearful, anxious, or aggressive towards new stimuli later in life.
- Traumatic experiences: Dogs that have been subjected to abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events may develop reactive behaviour as a way to protect themselves or cope with stress. Dogs that have been attacked by other dogs or humans may also become reactive towards similar stimuli. We hear about incidents at Dog Parks VERY FREQUENTLY.
- Genetic predispositions: Some dog breeds or individual dogs may have a higher risk of developing reactive behaviour due to their genetic makeup or breeding history. For example, herding breeds may be more prone to reactive behaviour towards movement or stimulation, while guard breeds may be more prone to reactive behaviour towards perceived threats.
- Inadequate training: Dogs that have not received consistent, and appropriate training may develop reactive behaviour as a result of confusion, frustration, or lack of guidance.
How can dog training help address reactive behaviour?
Dog training can play a crucial role in addressing reactive behaviour in dogs by providing a structured and positive learning environment that teaches dogs appropriate behaviours and responses. Here are some ways in which Affinity dog training in Sydney can help address reactive behaviour:
- Socialisation: Affinity Dog training can help socialize dogs by exposing them to various stimuli in a controlled and safe manner. Socialization can help dogs learn to be comfortable and confident around people, dogs, and objects, and reduce their fear or anxiety towards new stimuli.
- Desensitization: Dog training can use desensitization techniques to help dogs overcome their reactive behaviour towards specific stimuli. Desensitization involves gradually exposing the dog to the trigger at a low intensity and rewarding calm and non-reactive behaviour. Over time, the dog learns to associate the trigger with positive experiences and to respond calmly to it.
- Positive reinforcement training: Affinity Dog training, often use positive reinforcement techniques, which involve rewarding desired behaviours with vocal praise and affection. Positive reinforcement training helps dogs associate good behaviours with positive outcomes, reinforcing those behaviours and reducing reactive tendencies.
- Obedience training: Dog training typically includes obedience training, which teaches dogs basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. Obedience training provides dogs with clear guidelines and helps establish a strong bond between the dog and their owner. Dogs that receive obedience training are more likely to exhibit self-control and respond appropriately to various situations, reducing reactive behaviour.
- Relationship development: developing the relationship between the dog and the handler or owner can be key in resolving reactivity situations. Once the dog knows they can trust the handler and don’t need to react to the situation the dog tends to become more relaxed and less likely to react given a certain situation.
Other points to consider
Behaviour modification
In cases of severe reactive behaviour, dog training in Sydney may incorporate behaviour modification techniques. These techniques involve identifying triggers, understanding the underlying reasons for reactive behaviour, and implementing strategies to change the dog’s response. Behaviour modification may involve gradual exposure to triggers, desensitization, counter-conditioning, and management techniques to prevent reactive episodes.
Professional guidance
Dog training is often best approached with the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and skills to assess each dog’s individual needs and design a tailored training plan to address reactive behaviour effectively. They can provide guidance, support, and feedback throughout the training process, ensuring that both the dog and their owner are on the right track.
Consistency and patience
Addressing reactive behaviour requires consistency and patience from both the dog owner and the trainer. It’s essential to maintain a structured training routine, provide clear expectations, and reward positive behaviours consistently. Reactive behaviour cannot necessarily be resolved overnight, and it may take time and ongoing training efforts to see significant improvements. However, with the right approach this can be quicker than some people think.
Understanding why dogs may become reactive is important for addressing and managing this behaviour effectively.
Affinity Dog training in Sydney offers various techniques and strategies to help dogs overcome reactive tendencies, including socialization, desensitization, positive reinforcement, obedience training, behaviour modification, and professional guidance.
By investing in proper training and working closely with a professional, dog owners can create a safe, harmonious, and enjoyable environment for both themselves and their canine companions.
These are some of the areas we provide dog training for in Sydney – if you are not listed, please still contact us ! The Hills – Annangrove, Baulkham Hills, Beaumont Hills, Bella Vista, Box Hill, Carlingford, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Dural, Glenhaven, Glenorie, Kellyville, Kenthurst, Maraylya, Maroota, Nelson, Northmead, North Rocks, Rouse Hill, West Pennant Hills Blacktown and surrounding areas – Acacia Gardens, Dean Park, Doonside, Glendenning, Glenwood, Kellyville Ridge, Kings Langley, Kings Park, Lalor Park, Marayong, Marsden Park, Oakhurst, Parklea, Quakers Hill, Schofields, Seven Hills, Stanhope Gardens, The Ponds, Toongabbie, Vineyard, Riverstone
