1 Month

  • Milk teeth are coming in
  • Weaning can begin

    •  

    1 ½ Months

    • Nipping, play fighting, chewing
    • About 70% of adult brain mass is present

     

    2 Months

    • Typical adoption time
    • Begin housebreaking and integration with household (including children and other pets)
    • Begin talking with your veterinarian about vaccinations and the benefits of spaying/neutering
    • Puppy classes can begin at 6-8 weeks after a first vaccine

     

    3 Months

    • Chasing animals, thrown objects, own tail
    • Recognizes own name
    • About 90% of adult brain mass is present

     

    4 Months

    • Responds to “come”

     

    5 Months

    • Approaching adult height and weight for small breeds (up to 20 lbs.)

     

    6 Months

    • Fetching; toys remain important through adulthood
    • Can respond to “heel,” “down,” “sit,” “fetch,” “stay”
    • Sexual maturity for some small breed dogs

     

    7 Months

    • Milk teeth are lost; permanent teeth are in

     

    8 Months

    • Puppy can be expected to hold elimination for about 8 hours

     

    9 Months

    • Puppy training classes complete

     

    12 Months

    • Approaching adult height and weight for large breeds (more than 50 lbs.)

     

    18 Months

    • Sexual maturity reached for some large breed dogs
    • Approaching social maturity, adult behavior (all dogs)