Developmental Stages of a Dog's Life - Chart
Jacque Lynn Schultz, ASPCA Director, Special Projects
JUVENILE
6 WKS - 6 MOS.
6 WKS - 6 MOS.
ADOLESCENT
6 MOS - 18 MOS.
6 MOS - 18 MOS.
ADULT
18 MOS - 7 YRS.
18 MOS - 7 YRS.
GERIATRIC
7 YEARS +
7 YEARS +
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kennel crate, buckle collar, leash, odor neutralizer, anti-chew spray, chew toys, I.D. tag, microchip, dog license check collar size, check leash for wear; head halter for training if necessary, new toys suitable for hard chewing and grinding, dog bed check equipment for wear; repair or replace bedding, toys, collar, and leash, update license yearly orthopedic dog bedding, body harness if needed, odor neutralizer for incontinenceq
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play games that encourage cooperation: hide & seek, find it, round robin recalls problem prevention program: 2 hrs. aerobic exercise daily; tug of war games only if dog follows rules maintain exercise program; can include jogging and cycling activities, agility classes light exercise program to maintain weight; avoid overexerting on hot or cold daysx
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daily brushing, bi-weekly nail clipping, weekly teeth cleaning, bathe as needed maintain grooming program, flea/tick control program, bathe as needed maintain programs, note any skin growths or changes in pigment, bathe as needed massage therapy, maintain grooming, report to vet growths/lumps, pigment changesr
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premium quality dry kibble puppy formula 2-3X/day, treats for training 6-12 months: puppy formula 2X day; 12-18 months: adult formula 1-2X/day, treats for training watch for obesity; switch to less active formula if necessary, treats for training senior formula diet; vet prescribed diet for kidney and other problems, treats for trainingi
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supervision and consistant feedback regarding house manners, basic commands; handling exercises; socialization training program emphasizing impulse control and leadership; agility and/or tracking skills maintain training; guarding breeds may need additional supervision and training to prevent problem behaviors maintain training according to dog's ability (loss of vision, hearing, stiffness/pain), more frequent opportunities to soil outdoorsr
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impressionable, learns quickly and easily, best time to train and begin lifelong habits sexually mature; typical headstrong teenager; rebellious emotionally/ socially mature, behaviorally predictable, may try to dominate reduced sensory input may result in confusion or irritability, canine cognitive dysfunctione
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Courtesy of
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.petfinder.com%2Fcommon%2Fimages%2Flibrary%2Faspcanso.jpg)
424 East 92nd Street
New York, NY 10128-6804
www.aspca.org 212-876-7700
