From their energetic days as a puppy to their more laid-back older years, dogs go through a lot of changes as they age. You may also notice changes in your dog’s behavior as they get older. Here’s what to expect as your dog enters different phases of their life.

4 Behavioral Stages of Your Dog’s Life

1. Puppy

Puppies go through several stages of development during the first months of their life. By seven to eight weeks old, most puppies are acclimated to their new environment. Until 11 weeks old, owners should form positive impressions with their pups. Most behaviors of puppies are inevitable because of their lack of knowledge or understanding, but it is important to enforce positive behaviors while they are in that innocent stage. Puppy training is helpful between 8 and 16 weeks of age, helping teach positive behaviors, such as not biting while playing and using the bathroom outside. Puppies will get more independent and confident as the months pass by. Most puppies are energetic and have a low tolerance for inactivity.

2. Adult

Dogs reach emotional and physical maturity between 12 and 18 months. Adult dogs may try to assert dominance within the family. If this happens with your dog, proper intervention from a behaviorist will encourage better behavior. Some owners can turn to punishment because the dog should know better. However, punishments could make the situation worse and hinder the dog’s behavior. 

3. Senior Dog

As dogs reach old age, the physical wear and tear on their bodies tends to mean they are more inactive. They’ll still desire companionship but will have a much higher tolerance for rest and inactivity. During old age, it becomes more difficult to change a dog’s behaviors as their understanding and knowledge is set from prior years.

If you need help addressing your dog’s behavior at any stage of life, contact the experienced dog trainers at K-9 Communication in Milford, CT. Registered Master Dog Trainer Constantine “Gus” Marnel brings nearly 50 years of experience to his work, using loving, science-backed techniques to improve canine behavior. To learn more about how he can help your dog or to set up a free consultation, visit him online or call (203) 874-7299. You can also leave a review on Google+ or follow him on Facebook.