How old is your dog?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Obedience Training your Puppy

Shelley Aukett - Dog Trainer

Qualified Vet Nurse and Pet Behaviourist

Veterinary Nursing graduate, Shelley then became an animal behaviour technician for an animal welfare and research agricultural organisation in NZ, collecting and studying vast amounts of data, samples and knowledge from watching animals in their natural environments or in the environments that humans had created for them. Shelley now runs her own dog training and behaviour programs.

Obedience and Manners Training for your Puppy

From the time you bring your new puppy home, it's a good idea to begin some basic manners training. Things like sit, lie down and come are come of the best skills you can train your puppy early on - before you start to socialise them with other dogs (and their owners) in the park.

When training a puppy, you need to make it fun, and you need to be energetic. Dogs can pick up on your energy levels - and especially young puppies are going to expect the same amount energy from you, as they have!

This video shows some step-by-step guides to hopefully help you train your new puppy with some good manners for when you're at home and out and about.

How to teach your puppy to sit

Step 1: Have treats like the VitaPet Milky Sticks broken up into easy, rewardable sized treats.

Step 2: Take a treat in your hand, put it to the nose, and slowly move your hand over their head.

Step 3: As soon as the dog's bottom hits the ground, give the treat.*

Step 4: Then once they have done this 2-3 times, it's time to add your word. 'Sit'.

Step 5: As you go to move your hand over the puppy's head, say 'sit'.

How to teach your puppy to lie down

Step 1: We start by getting the puppy into the sit position.

Step 2: Hold a treat in your enclosed hand to their nose. Then slowly bring your hand down, making sure their nose is following, until your hand is near their toes and their belly hits the ground.

Step 3: At this give the treat.

Step 4: Then once they have done this 2-3 times, it's time to add your word. 'Lie down'.