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.

Tricks to Teach 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.

Fun Tricks to teach your Puppy

Ok so you now have your amazing bundle of puppy joy home. And you've done the basic manners training. And now it's time for the fun stuff!

But on a more serious note, tricks are good to teach puppies as they build their confidence for when they're out and about, and it also helps to build your relationship with your puppy.

This video shows some step-by-step guides to help you teach your new puppy some fun tricks.

How to teach your puppy to shake

Step 1: Get your puppy into a sit.

Step 2: Take a treat in your enclosed hand, and have it sitting just in front of your puppies nose.

Step 3: The moment your puppy takes their paw off the ground, let them know they had it right.

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

Step 5: Final step is removing the treats from your hand, and using your word - which your puppy should recognise.

How to teach your puppy to rollover

We didn't manage to get Lilly to roll over in this first session, but with persistence and consistency with these steps, you will be successful!

Step 1: We start by getting the puppy into the sit and then lie down position. Holding the treat in your enclosed hand at her nose, and then slowly bring your hand down to the puppy's feet.

Step 2: Then with the treat still in your enclosed hand, keeping it close to the nose, move your hand around their shoulder to try to get the puppy off balance and roll over.

Step 3: At the point that they roll, give the treat.

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