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How old is your dog?

Pre-Puppy
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Pre-Puppy

What’s better than puppies? That’s right: your own puppy. So, what do you need to know before you take the plunge into pet parenthood?

0-2 months
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0-2 months

Welcome to the world little one. It’s all grow-grow-grow for your puppy right now, so there’s many things to prepare.

2-3 months
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2-3 months

Your puppy is ready to come home and turn your world upside down. It’s time to put your preparation into practice – and remember to take it all in!

3-6 months
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3-6 months

You’re entering a period of immense growth, lots of learning and new adventures. Bring on the play date with the big wide world!

6-12 months
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6-12 months

Your fur-baby is nearing adulthood. Can you see their grown self coming through? Sigh…they grow up so fast, don’t they?

12-18 months
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12-18 months

Your puppy has turned one and they might not be so little anymore. Make sure to book their first annual check-up.

18 months - 3 years
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18 months - 3 years

Your dog is one an established family member now. Enjoy who they have become and the bond you now share at this special stage.

3 - 8 years
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3 - 8 years

Your dog is a full-grown adult now. They understand where their place is in your home and the wider world.

8+ years
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8+ years

Just like many senior citizens, senior dogs have some extra needs. Learn to look after your best friend and support their health as they grow older.

Signs your Dog has a Close Connection with You

Written by Dr Kate Mornement, Animal Behaviourist

Dogs have been our best friend for thousands of years. Humans and dogs co-evolved as the relationship they shared became mutually beneficial. Dogs protected us and helped us with hunting. We helped dogs by feeding them and providing them shelter.

Fast forward to modern day and a lot has changed! We rely on dogs for many different things, and the main benefits we get from the relationship is friendship, increased exercise and what psychologists call ‘unconditional positive regard.’

But our dogs still rely on us for their survival. We provide them with food, health care, exercise, companionship and shelter.

The human-dog bond is eons in the making and something pretty special, but how can you actually tell if your dog has a close connection with you?

There are a number of tell-tale signs that you and your dog have built a strong connection.

Here are a few of the most common signs:

Your dog is always happy to see you

If your dog barks and jumps up excitedly on you after an absence it’s safe to say they missed you and are very glad you’re home.

Your dog chooses to spend lots of time with you

Choosing to spend lots of time with you when you’re home is another good sign that your dog has a close connection with you. Dogs tend to want to engage in activities they enjoy so wanting to be with you when you’re there is a sign your dog really enjoys your company.

Your dog allows you to do things it may not really like

Things like trimming their nails, or administering medication. Not all dogs enjoy being brushed or having their nails trimmed or teeth cleaned. If your dog allows you to do these things, even though you can tell they’re not liking it much, that’s a sign that your dog has a lot of trust in you and a great relationship and that they’re willing to go through some temporary discomfort.

Your dog is always seeking your attention

Attention-seeking behaviours like pawing at you, jumping up into your lap and even licking you indicate that your dog is trying to get your attention. They do these behaviours because they often result in something they enjoy, like attention, a pat or a belly rub.

Not all dogs enjoy and seek out affection, however, so don’t take it personally if you have a dog like this.

It doesn’t mean they don’t have a close connection with you, rather they show their connection in other ways.

You can continue to build a strong connection with your dog using positive reinforcement (treats and training rewards, for example) for desirable behaviours, and by spending time together doing activities you both enjoy.

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