When a Puppy is Full Grown

Four legs, a wet nose and eyes that could melt steel. When a puppy captures your heart, it's the beginning of a long and wonderful friendship. One that evolves over time and is bound to take a number of unexpected turns. However, one thing that will come as NO surprise is the time when a puppy is full grown.

A YEAR OF DISCOVERY

Many animal experts estimate that it takes about a year for puppies to reach full maturity. During that first year, owner and Dog will share a fascinating learning curve. One complete with boundaries, special language and personality quirks. And sometimes it's hard to tell who has more to learn.

For first time Dog owners, the training process can be comedy of errors and a seemingly endless exercise in futility. But, depending on the intelligence of the Dog and the diligence of the master, success should come shortly. Both, however, should be prepared for those moments that will test the limits of their patience.

Certain breeds need a firmer hand, a gentler tone or a devious mind to show them who's boss. It's your job as human to decide which will work best for your pup. While there are no absolutes, pedigreed Dogs often conform to predictable standards.

Jack Russell Terriers can usually be counted on to be balls of inexhaustible energy even when puppy full grown. Golden Retrievers are known for their temperance, Border Collies their intelligence and Norwich Terriers for the their willfulness. Each trait, when properly matched with their owner's, will help forge an unbreakable bond.

ADULTHOOD & BEYOND

That bond will enjoy a honeymoon, of sorts, during the puppy phase. Cuteness will often outweigh the occasional accident on the rug or chewed up shoe. But, adulthood will bring a new set of challenges. One of the worst mistakes an owner can make is to assume that fully grown dogs have completed their learning process. Often, adult dogs require an even greater degree of attention. During its formative year, a puppy's education has specific goals, but when puppy full grown, providing enriching interaction requires more creativity.

It's no longer enough to reward good behavior with a treat or a toy. Dogs need new skills to master, and reinforcing previously learned skills will bore them.

Owners should try to provide their pets with new experiences on a regular basis. Since most dogs love cars, take them for rides with the windows down, so they can feel the wind and bark at strangers or other cars.

Dog parks and beaches give them the chance to roam freely while building their socialization skills with other breeds. However, until you know how they'll react to other dogs, keep them on a leash for their own protection.

Still, no matter what new horizons are presented, the most important interaction a dog will ever have is with its family. And from those first days through when puppy full grown, it's a relationship that will fill a heart with love and soul with joy.

Lucy Bushman is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

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