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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.

Crate Training a Dog

Dr Jess Beer - Pet Behaviourist profile picture

Dr Jess Beer - Pet Behaviourist

BVSc MANZCVS

Dr Jess is a fully qualified Veterinarian with more than 17 years of experience in companion animal clinical practice. She has worked in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, as well as donating her time to charities in India, Greece, Portugal, Thailand, Panama, Mexico, Romania, Rarotonga and Gibraltar.

Crate Training a Dog

Crate Training your Adult Dog

Crate training is not just a way to keep your dog in a safe space, it’s like creating a bedroom, just for your dog.

They can rest there safely, while the house is unattended or overly busy. Think trying to cook while the kids and dogs are in the kitchen or greeting guests at the front door and your cavalier bolts out the door!

This is stressful for everyone, and the good news is you can change that really quickly by crate training your dog.

How to crate train your adult dog

Step 1: Get prepared with some chewy treats, a puzzle ball or puzzle bowl. Move their bed or favourite blanket into the crate.

Step 2: To introduce your dog to their new crate, leave the door wide open and let your dog wander in and out on their own. Offer them that chewy treat, to encourage them to stay in a little while. Do this when the house is quiet and relaxed.

Step 3: As you practice this, encourage them into the crate with your command. Try something like “in your crate” or “crate”. Keep reinforcing that positive behaviour with lots of praise and love.

Remember: This isn’t a space for your dog to be “sent” to, use it as a safe haven before the house gets too noisy or too busy so they aren’t scolded to go into their crate.

Some dogs may want their crate in a busy space, others prefer it a quiet location.

Pet Paw-Trol

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Free Puppy Training Guide

Your puppy training guidebook.

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Perfect Pocket Training Treats

These real meat treats are perfect for puppy training on the go.

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