Puppy Development Milestones

Clear, age-based guidance for understanding your puppy's behavior, sleep needs, training readiness, and developmental stages.

Understanding Your Puppy's Development

Every puppy develops at their own pace, but understanding typical milestones helps you know what to expect and when to seek guidance. This page provides age-based information about puppy behavior, sleep patterns, training readiness, and common challenges.

Puppy development isn't linear—your puppy might hit some milestones early and others later. That's completely normal. Use these guides as a framework, not a strict timeline.

Remember: if you're ever concerned about your puppy's behavior or development, consult with a qualified veterinarian or certified dog behavior professional.

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Early Puppy Days

Critical socialization period, house training basics, and sleep schedules.

A small brown dog sitting on top of a wooden floor

A small brown dog sitting on top of a wooden floor

a puppy laying on the floor next to a chair

a puppy laying on the floor next to a chair

8-12 WEEKS

Growing Confidence

Puppy biting peaks, fear periods begin, and basic training foundations.

3-4 MONTHS

dog eating wood log

dog eating wood log

a dog running through a field of yellow flowers

a dog running through a field of yellow flowers

Teenage Phase

Teething, impulse control challenges, and adolescent behavior changes.

Adolescence Phase 1

Testing boundaries, selective hearing, increased independence, and reduced focus.

4-6 MONTHS

6-9 MONTHS

a black and white dog laying on a cobblestone road

a black and white dog laying on a cobblestone road

dalmatian dog on white textile

dalmatian dog on white textile

Maturing

Settling into routines, continued training, and maturity milestones.

12-18 MONTHS

9-12 MONTHS

Adolescence Phase 2

Possible defiance, reduced focus, or increased reactivity. Once completed they settle into their permanent temperament.

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