Your Essential Guide to a Vibrant 20-Week-Old Puppy’s Developmental Milestones. 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 at 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 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 enter adolescence – so be prepared for hormonal changes that happen 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 their 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 the 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 every day 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 may be worth enrolling in advanced dog training classes.
Source: Tobias Charles 01/28/21
Conclusion: Navigating Puppy Behavior at 20-24 Weeks
As your 20-24 week old puppy continues to grow, you’ll notice significant behavioral and developmental changes. This stage is crucial for reinforcing training, establishing routines, and promoting socialization. Puppies at this age are more independent, energetic, and eager to explore, making consistent training and positive reinforcement essential.
To ensure a well-mannered and happy companion, stay patient, provide mental and physical stimulation, and address any behavioral challenges early on. If you encounter persistent issues, consulting a professional trainer or veterinarian can help guide you through this phase.
By understanding your puppy’s needs and adapting to their development, you’re setting the foundation for a well-adjusted adult dog. Stay committed, enjoy the journey, and watch your pup thrive!
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.
