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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.

6-12 months

That little ball of fluff you brought home is now almost fully grown. They will have revealed their own quirky personality and chances are you’re inseparable like Turner and Hooch, Scooby Doo and Shaggy, Ghost and John Snow.

Between six and 12 months they will continue to grow and fill out, putting more muscle mass onto their bones. That means you can increase their exercise but make sure to watch for their cues of fatigue.

At this stage, it’s good to keep extending your puppy’s exposure to new and novel environments, friends (both human and dog) and even other species (like cats) with caution.

You’re also ready for one of the biggest changes for your pup – desexing. This is usually done around six months old, so speak to your vet now. Final adult teeth should come through by seven months, so think about dental care.

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Dogs and Car Anxiety

Does your dog get anxious about car travel? See tips from Lara Shannon from Pooches @ Play.

Impact of Food on Dog Skin Health

Healthy skin starts with a healthy diet; tips for looking for dog foods that are good for their skin.

Identifying Behavioural Issues in Puppies

Explore the key behavioural issues that can arise in puppies and discuss effective ways to identify and manage them.

How smart is my puppy?

Intelligence in dogs exists similar to humans. So how do you tell how smart your puppy is?

Washing & Grooming your Short Haired Dog

Short haired dogs have different grooming needs than long haired dogs. Here's some tips on the best way to wash and groom them.

Why dogs lick people 7 things and How to Reduce Excessive Licking

Licking is a normal behaviour for dogs but excessive licking can be problematic & a symptom of an underlying health or behavioural issue.

Why dogs scratch People & Things and How to Reduce Problem Scratching

Most scratching is completely normal and instinctual for dogs, but can be problematic when they scratch people or things.

Dog Begging

Find out why dogs beg & how you can effectively train your dog not to beg.

Why dogs Chew People & Things and How to Reduce Problem Chewing

Chewing can become a problem in puppies or dogs who chew excessively or chew on people’s hands, clothes or items we don’t want them to chew.

Why dogs Bite People & Other Animals and How to Prevent It

Why do dogs bite people, other dogs & other animals, and what can be done to prevent dog bites?