A dog's life

1. Neonatal Stage (0–2 Weeks)

• What’s happening: Puppies are blind, deaf, and mostly immobile. They rely completely on their mother for warmth, food, and care.

• Care tip: This stage is all about mom and littermate bonding. Minimal human handling unless necessary.

🐾 2. Transitional Stage (2–4 Weeks)

• What’s happening: Eyes and ears start to open, puppies begin walking, wagging tails, and interacting more.

• Care tip: Gentle handling can begin, helping them get used to human contact.

🐾 3. Socialization Stage (3–12 Weeks)

• What’s happening: Puppies learn how to interact with dogs, people, and their environment. Critical window for developing confidence.

• Care tip: Positive experiences during this period are key. Begin basic training, social exposure, and crate acclimation.

🐾 4. Juvenile Stage (3–6 Months)

• What’s happening: Rapid physical growth, increased independence, and learning capacity. Teething occurs.

• Care tip: Reinforce training, set boundaries, and redirect chewing. Consistency is essential.

🐾 5. Adolescent Stage (6–18 Months)

• What’s happening: Dogs may test limits, become more distractible, and show more energy or assertiveness. Some breeds mature slower.

• Care tip: Continue structured training and socialization. Patience is key—this is like the teenage phase!

🐾 6. Adult Stage (1–7 Years, varies by breed)

• What’s happening: Dogs settle into their adult temperament. They usually have more self-control and are fully grown.

• Care tip: Maintain physical and mental stimulation, keep training sharp, and monitor health through regular vet care.

🐾 7. Senior Stage (7+ Years, varies by breed)

• What’s happening: Energy may decline, joints may stiffen, and senses might dull. Some dogs show signs of cognitive changes.

• Care tip: Adjust diet and exercise, prioritize comfort, and schedule more frequent vet visits to catch age-related issues early.