At six months of age, your puppy’s permanent canines have erupted and his sense of hearing, seeing, tasting, and smelling have refined. Have plenty of chew toys handy and hide your favorite shoes! Your pup is on the cusp of adolescence and now is a good time to start formal training if you haven’t already. Read up on the different training methods out there and find a trainer who suits your needs. Now is also a good time to get your dog screened for health issues that could rear their ugly heads later in your pup’s life.
Here’s what you should be thinking about with a 6-month-old puppy:
» Help Your Puppy Through His Fear Imprint Period
If your puppy jumps out of his skin when a plastic bag blows by him on a walk, he’s exhibiting a normal sense of fear. If you notice that your puppy is suddenly afraid of the pillow on the couch, this is a sign that his Fear Imprint Period has begun. Puppies go through several developmental periods and during this period, your puppy is susceptible to conditioning from pain and fear. Learn how to help your pup through this phase »
» Prevent Future Health Issues by Screening Your Dog Early
The thought that your puppy could have an orthopedic problem or a congenital disorder that could show up now probably isn’t one of the first things that comes to mind when discussing canine diseases. But it is possible for conditions such as Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation and others to be present this early. It is also possible to screen for congenital disorders such as liver and kidney disease. Here are some reasons to have your puppy screened »
» What to Do With a Frenzied Puppy
What do you do when a calm puppy is suddenly in a frenzy? It’s a common problem at this age. Your puppy is having something similar to a toddler’s tantrum. He is causing havoc partly because his hormones are racing, but also to get attention because he’s bored, he has an excess of energy, and, again, to test you. Learn how to recognize a frenzied state »
» Advanced Obedience Training
If your puppy is continuing to have trouble walking correctly on a lead or staying when you tell him, then advanced obedience training is important to do now. Training your dog is beneficial in many ways. It creates a bond between you, reminds your puppy who is Alpha, ensures your pup can be taken with you anywhere, and provides safety valves for bad behavior. It also tends to produce a more confident and calm puppy. Here’s what you can expect »
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Featured Image Credit: Rebius, Shutterstock
