There are many changes that you should expect as your beautiful puppy gets older. In this article we will focus on your puppy’s development between the age of 20 – 24 weeks of age.
A 20 – 24 week old puppy is approximately the same as a 5 – 6 month old puppy.
A Step by step guide to Puppy Behavior between 20 – 24 weeks of age
Your puppy is still going to be energetic and full of energy and still eager to learn but he is going to be bigger and maybe a little bolder. This is the point in your puppy’s behavior and development where you can bring all of your training together and take stock of everything that you you have both learned. Believe it or not but this is the point where everything starts to fall into place – as long as you remain consistent and don’t relax too much and let any bad habits start to creep back in.
- At this point in your puppy’s life you should look to his breed as this may determine how he behaves
- Your puppy will start to show his confidence and independence. This is fine when out in the park or garden but you may find it problematic when he is confined to the House – this can manifest itself in chewing and biting household objects – be vigilant and remedy and problems as they occur.
- You should also expect problems if your pup is not well exercised and mentally stimulated – keep his toys interesting and new.
- Don’t become too relaxed as toileting accidents may start to occur – so be vigilant!
- He may start to become a little too boisterous and jump up, barge or other rough play. You need to keep an eye on this as accidents can happen and if you have a large breed they could be serious.
- If you own a smaller breed of dog he will start to be entering adolescence – so be prepared for hormonal changes that happens when a dog becomes sexually mature. This may include aggression and scent marking in a male dog and in a female dog (puppy) expect to see the odd toileting problem and even some pooping around the House. Unfortunately this behavior can be around for up to three years.
- Male puppies between 20 – 24 weeks may start lifting the leg in the house and have selective hearing when out for a walk.
- Mood swings are normal for puppies of either sex and concentration problems may occur during hormonal changes.
- You should continue to be pack leader and the dominant male – so eat first and go through the door first – don’t get out of the way if your dog barges you – all of this will assert your authority.
- As your puppy gets older and bigger you should start increasing his exercise.
- The last of his worming treatments are now due and then every three months.
- Check whether he has fleas and needs to be de-flead, then start flea and tick prevention.
- Adult teeth will almost be through so keep an eye on this – clean them everyday with a brush or decent dental dog chews.
- Your puppy may need his ears plucked to keep his ear canal clean, tidy and clear.
- Always keep your dog stimulated with decent stimulating toys – make sure the chews and toys are bigger so that he can’t choke.
- Discuss with your vet whether your puppy should be neutered.
- It maybe worth enrolling on advanced dog training classes.
Hope you enjoyed this quick introduction to this important stage in puppy behavior and development. In the next article we will focus on the developmental stage when your puppy becomes an adult.
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