Puppies at this age are no longer biologically true puppies. Although still young and relatively small, they are beginning to undergo hormonal changes and undergo a shift from puppy to adolescent.
At this age, pups are generally more coordinated than at earlier stages. They can run faster, leap higher, pounce with more power, and thanks to their increased weight, can body slam with more strength. All of this can make them poor playmates for younger, smaller or more timid dogs. Some dogs at this age can also start thinking it's amusing to bully other dogs.
Behaviours pups exhibit during this stage are likely to become habits as they move into adulthood. Your pup is not likely to "grow out of it". If your pup is practising a behaviour you do not like, you want to guide and support her into an appropriate behaviour and temporarily limit play or set boundaries as necessary. Failing to help, guide and limit pups at this stage will allow inappropriate behaviours to evolve into larger problems with your adolescent dog. Establish strong foundation behaviours and avoid problems later.
The "puppy license" younger puppies enjoy from adult dogs expires at this age. Dogs at this age can get strong, dramatic resposnes from adult dogs for the same behaviour that was acceptable when they were under 16 weeks. The older dogs are respondng to the hormonal changes that indicate the puppy license has expired. Older dogs now begin to set clearer, stronger rules, limits and boundaries for dogs of this age and will reinforce them as needed. They are teaching the pup how to be a polite member of canine society.
At this age, we want to take a hint from the adult dogs and begin to insist on greater responsibility and awareness from the pup. He has a lot of enthusiasm and energy but he doesn't yet have the skills needed to navigate the world independently. Be your dog's helper and guide and set him on the road towards becoming a great dog!
At this age, pups are generally more coordinated than at earlier stages. They can run faster, leap higher, pounce with more power, and thanks to their increased weight, can body slam with more strength. All of this can make them poor playmates for younger, smaller or more timid dogs. Some dogs at this age can also start thinking it's amusing to bully other dogs.
Behaviours pups exhibit during this stage are likely to become habits as they move into adulthood. Your pup is not likely to "grow out of it". If your pup is practising a behaviour you do not like, you want to guide and support her into an appropriate behaviour and temporarily limit play or set boundaries as necessary. Failing to help, guide and limit pups at this stage will allow inappropriate behaviours to evolve into larger problems with your adolescent dog. Establish strong foundation behaviours and avoid problems later.
The "puppy license" younger puppies enjoy from adult dogs expires at this age. Dogs at this age can get strong, dramatic resposnes from adult dogs for the same behaviour that was acceptable when they were under 16 weeks. The older dogs are respondng to the hormonal changes that indicate the puppy license has expired. Older dogs now begin to set clearer, stronger rules, limits and boundaries for dogs of this age and will reinforce them as needed. They are teaching the pup how to be a polite member of canine society.
At this age, we want to take a hint from the adult dogs and begin to insist on greater responsibility and awareness from the pup. He has a lot of enthusiasm and energy but he doesn't yet have the skills needed to navigate the world independently. Be your dog's helper and guide and set him on the road towards becoming a great dog!