When Does Having A Puppy Get Easier – There Are 4 Stages!

Living With a Puppy

Although training a puppy can be difficult during the first two months, it does become easier with time. While the first few months can be challenging, training a puppy can be an ongoing process that can last for years. Although the initial training period can be difficult, remember that having a puppy will reward you in the end. 

If you want to know when having a puppy gets easier, continue reading this article. 

At What Age Are Puppies the Most Difficult?

Puppies are most difficult when they are eight weeks old. This is the time when they are separated from their mother and littermates. During this time, they have to adjust to a lot of things and don’t know what to do. They are not trained to potty and don’t know how to behave in a new environment. 

Puppies that are removed from their mothers too soon are often less confident and less likely to learn socialization and obedience training skills. In addition, puppies removed from their mother too early may be more likely to suffer from behavioral problems such as barking and biting.

Ideally, puppies should be kept with their mothers until they are about seven weeks old, although eight weeks is optimal. Puppies’ socialization and training skills are most important during this time, so leave them with their mother until they are at least eight weeks of age.

Most puppies go through a period of fear at around two to three weeks old. A puppy can be particularly fearful if it has been exposed to traumatic events or to harsh discipline. Providing constant human contact is essential during this period.

As the puppies grow older, they will begin to recognize and respond to sounds, and they will try to get their feet under them. During this time, puppies will also start to learn to recognize their littermates and mom.

Do Puppies Get Worse Before They Get Better?

Yes, puppies get worse before they get better. It is a common dog behavior. It has more to do with puppy adolescence than it does with the puppy’s actual health. As puppies grow into adolescents, they become more independent and less responsive to their owners. Some pups may even actively avoid you when you call them. Luckily, there are some effective ways to help your pup cope with this stage of life.

First, your puppy may be experiencing difficulty adjusting. This is natural and happens when puppies explore the world. The problem occurs when this habit persists. During this time, you should train your puppy and give them proper food, water, and exercise to keep them healthy. 

Try to make all encounters positive for your puppy by using socialization techniques. Remember to avoid forcing your puppy to face his fears and stay at a comfortable distance. Instead, reward him with treats when the experience goes well. If your puppy continues to be fearful, you should take him to a vet and get him evaluated.

Do Dogs Know When They Misbehave?

It’s difficult to read a dog’s body language or expressions when they are misbehaving, but there are certain things that you can do to help your dog understand what is happening. If you notice your dog is urinating inside your home, take it outside to relieve itself.

Once it’s done, praise and reward it. This will help your dog understand what you expect. You’ll be happier with the end result.

While many people believe that dogs can understand when they have misbehaved, scientists aren’t so sure. If a dog looks guilty, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s acknowledging guilt. It could simply be the result of its owner scolding it. And since most dogs aren’t able to speak, they are less likely to understand their owners’ messages. 

If your dog is acting aggressively, you should avoid exposing yourself to the behavior by ignoring it. It’s also a good idea to avoid eye contact while explaining the consequences. A dog who is shocked will most likely respond negatively to this method.

Then, if you do decide to punish your dog, it’s better to use positive reinforcement instead. That way, your dog will learn to avoid causing further problems. You need to understand common dog behavior in order to train your dog. 

When Does Having A Puppy Get Easier?

Puppy development happens in stages, and during each stage, they behave differently. Read on to learn about the different stages in a puppy’s life. 

• Stage 1 – A Small Demon

Bringing up a puppy can be a challenge. There are many challenges ahead, including controlling the environment, teaching your puppy basic commands, socializing, and meeting their chewing needs. Puppy training begins at a young age, and the first few months are a bit tough.

Puppy training should always be consistent and firm but loving. 

• Stage 2 – An Angel

By the time your puppy is about four or five months old, he may be dizzy from excitement and giddiness, but he will also be quieter, listen better to you and adapt to routine. This is the “angelic period” of your puppy’s life, but it does not happen for every puppy. This stage may last up to two months or even longer and depends on your pup’s personality and needs.

During this phase, the puppy’s brain continues to develop and acclimate to the human world. 

• Stage 3 – A Teenager

Raising a puppy during the teenage years is challenging. As your puppy becomes a teenager, it begins to act out in unpredictable ways. It may try to lick you, bite your hand, or even mouth you, but it will probably become a more aggressive and disruptive teenager. Other signs of a hormonal teenage dog include chewing up the house, stealing, and escaping.

During this time, your puppy may show signs of fear. This secondary fear is believed to be caused by hormonal changes and can result in increased sensitivity and reactiveness. 

• Stage 4 – A Young Adult

When raising a puppy, it’s easy to think you’ve hit your stride. Then, along comes the next phase: adolescence. During this time, the puppy develops independence and becomes less responsive to you. Your stroppy puppy may even actively avoid you if you call.

Fortunately, these phases do get easier as your pup matures. This stage is common to puppies, and it can be caused by traumatic events or harsh discipline.