by Gigi McWhirter
“Dogs have several traits in common with humans, including the aging process,” says Gina Adepoju, owner of Dog Authority and www.dogauthority.com.
She has been a dog behaviorist/dog trainer since 1998. Gina also volunteers her time training and working with organizations that help rescue dogs find permanent and loving homes.
Before adopting a dog learn about breed specific attributes and traits along with the various stages of life and behaviors that can occur as a dog ages. Like humans, a dog’s mind and body will change as they grow older.
Puppy is the first stage of life. Ideally, a puppy should not leave its mother before it is 8 weeks old.
Gina says, “Puppy behavior is where it all starts. Experiences a puppy has early on can shape a puppy’s behavior for life — including fears like thunderstorms, fireworks, children and other dogs. At this stage of life, they are like sponges and should learn most of their life lessons.
“Training sessions can take place several times throughout the day, with each session lasting no more than 10 minutes because of their short attention spans.”
A puppy day consists of eating, sleeping, playing and learning.
Puppy teenager starts at about 6 months and lasts until about 2 years old — and just like human kids, this is the phase when they start to test their boundaries. They are extremely capable of learning and should be stimulated both physically and mentally to encourage positive behavior.
This also is the age when most dogs are rehomed or sent to shelters because owners get frustrated, and instead of seeking out a trainer for guidance or reaching out to breed specific groups for support, they make the decision to get rid of the dog.
Young adult is the sweet era that starts after 2 years and continues to about 5 years of age. By now, the dog understands its role in the family, has learned manners and how to be a “good dog.” They still have a nice amount of energy, love your companionship and look forward to learning.
Mature is the next phase that happens between 5 to 8 years. Their bodies may start to show signs of aging, but their minds are still active. They still love learning and making you happy.
Senior stage is the winter of life, but this doesn’t stop them enjoying learning/mental exercise. Because their bodies age like ours, they, too, can develop hearing loss, changes in vision, painful joints, sleep more, etc. They can become cranky, especially to little kids and snap at them or anything else that startles them. They can also become gentler and more loving.
Just a reminder, love has no age.
Happy Tails to you!
