Here's the thing, though — when it comes to raising cute, helpless, and needy creatures, raising a puppy is way harder than raising a baby.
Despite the benefits, many people still wonder, "should I get a dog before having a baby?" Whatever you ultimately decide, it's an excellent question to ask. In general, it's best to wait until your child is older so you aren't trying to adjust to a new baby and a new pet all at once.
From feeding on time to taking care of their health, raising puppies is almost similar to that of babies. Here's how... Ask pet owners and they will tell you how raising a puppy requires as much attention and care as does a baby.
Stage 5: Adolescence (6 – 18 months) This can be the most difficult time during a puppy's development – adolescence. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour.
So when will it get easier? The first two months are the most difficult and the following months also bring their challenges. So the answer is, it will get easier and easier, depending on how much effort you put into educating your dog. You should therefore remain hopeful in the process during the first year.
Undesirable behaviours such as barking, chewing, counter surfing, house-soiling and jumping up commonly begin to occur at around 3-6 months of age.
That being said, many people find the first few months of a puppy's life to be the most challenging. During this time, puppies are learning how to behave and interact with their environment, and they require a lot of attention, socialization, and training.
When Puppies Mature and Settle Down. Puppies typically develop the emotional maturity and temperament of an adult dog between twelve and eighteen months of age, although they may continue to occasionally exhibit puppy behavior like chewing and nipping until they're about two years old.
According to the American Kennel Club, puppies younger than 10 weeks cannot be left alone for more than an hour. From 3-6 months, they should not be left longer than their age in months (for example, 3-month-old puppies cannot be alone for longer than 3 hours).
From 1 to 2 Years
Congratulations! Your dog has graduated from puppyhood. As your puppy nears age one (up to two years for a large breed), they're beginning to look and act more mature. They will probably still be playful, but now they've learned the ropes and are much better at following the rules.
Canines are smitten with babies and can form strong connections because of the amount of time spent together. Both a baby and a dog, especially a young pup, have a common desire for a playmate and someone who will give them attention.
Whether you're a pet parent or a pet sitter, it's not a very good idea to treat your dog like a baby. But it is a good idea to treat our furry friends like you would a 5-year-old child. That means teaching them boundaries, manners, and discipline.
Grown-up dogs are more emotionally stable.
Puppies grow up very fast but they can attain a certain maturity only when they are at least three years old. So, if you bring home a little grown dog, you might not have to handle unseen trauma or deformities that a puppy generates. Such dogs need little training.
Many breeders recommend that your first dog be at least one-to-two-years old before you add a second to the family. If you have an old dog, they may not be physically able to play with or tolerate a pup.
My general recommendation is to wait until your youngest child is around 4.5-5 years old before getting a puppy. This way, the whole family can get on board with training the puppy and the responsibilities that come with owning a new dog.
Dogs are sociable animals and love company, but although it is good practice that they learn to be home alone for a period of time, it is not advisable to leave them alone for very long periods, like overnight. Many dogs feel worried when they are left on their own, especially if they have been used to having company.
Remember, dogs and especially puppies need to urinate often. As a guideline, new puppies up to 10 weeks old typically can't hold their bladder for more than an hour. Dogs between 10 to 12 weeks old can usually hold it for around two hours.
Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.
Between six and eight months, many puppies have a "lanky" and awkward look that is quite adorable.
If you have a puppy or adult dog who is unusually or suddenly quiet, you will want to contact your veterinarian immediately to rule out potential health reasons. These may include: Infection: Such as parvovirus, distemper, respiratory illnesses (such as bordetella/kennel cough), or gastrointestinal illnesses.
Depending on the pup, sometimes around 6 or 7 months old a previously well-mannered puppy can turn into a terror. House-training accidents, chewing, barking, the bossing around of other pets, and generally unruly behaviors might start to surface.
A 3-month-old puppy can learn boundaries and good manners, potty training, and basic commands. They're also learning to love you—this is when the bond between you and your pup is solidified.
On the first night, and for about three weeks, have the puppy sleep in a dog crate next to the bed. Line the base with blankets so that it is cosy and drape another blanket over the top to help it feel more secure. Give the puppy the stuffed toy that has its littermates' scent on it to snuggle up to.