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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.

Benefits of Dogs on My Mental Health

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Jodie Humphries - Dog Lover

Dog Lover

Jodie is an obsessed dog mum who loves to learn how to best care for her pup Wally and she loves to share the things she learns with others. She's always been a pet owner but loves dogs the most and loves being surrounded by like-minded dog lovers.

You're sure to realise how getting a dog will help improve your physical health, but you may not be aware of how it will also improve your mental health. The awareness of how much dogs make people happy and benefit their mental health is growing, with studies being done to back up the claims.

How have dogs helped my mental health?

Getting my dog was one of the best decisions I ever made for my mental health. The unconditional love that comes from a pet cannot be denied. Plus who's mood can't be improved by looking into some puppy dog eyes.

1. Increased my Social Interactions

I never really expected the number of social events I now get invited to because I have a pup. This may not be true for all people, I have a group of friends who all have dogs, and we all like getting together with and without our dogs. We connected via the Instagram profiles to document our pups' lives and became friends due to our shared love for our dogs.

Beyond my friends, however, there are also many fun events for the world's dog lovers. From markets to pet shows to just general meetups, you can always find something fun to do with your pup.

Just a walk in the park can invite conversations with more people when you have a dog than if you are walking alone or with a group of friends.

2. Boosted my Confidence

This comes from the above point (increased social interaction). Everyone wanting to say hi to my dog has meant I am more open and confident about talking to people. I have never been one to strike up a conversation with a stranger, but since I have had my dog, you'll see me chatting to people at the park or just the person in front of me getting coffee.

3. Companionship Especially when Times are Tough

I've dealt with different anxiety and depression levels my whole adult life. My introversion has meant that I'm often dealing with the dark days alone. Since getting my pup this is no longer the case, there have been many times that I've struggled, but he's been, my constant companion.

Whether it be a super stressful job that was causing more anxiety than it was worth or just the general state of the world.

My dog recognises when I'm not at my best, and just his presence and a good snuggle helps me destress and recharge.

There are so many benefits to having my dog in my life, and the fact that dogs make me happy is just one of them.

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