How Do You Plan Your Pup’s Life or Routine After One Year?
Whether you have a mixed breed pup or something else, the puppyhood will end when it turns one year old. It will officially enter adulthood. The good thing is adult dogs continue their life with the same energy and playfulness. Experts say one year dog is comparable to a 15-year-old teen. That’s why they can afford to be energetic. And like a fifteen-year-old, they can also have emotional maturity. You can notice a remarkable improvement in their attention span. It can be a suitable time to teach them a few complex behavioral rules in addition to the basic commands you taught them when they were a pup. It also means you can expose them to high-energy sports like rallies, tracking, and others demanding maturity and focus.
At the same time, the one-year-old dog will be over its pup habits, such as chewing about anything he encountered as a kid. Or, you can at least see some changes in this behavior. Some dogs may need to grow even more to abandon this. However, they are mostly exceptions. Then, physical transformation is another realm of interest. His height and weight at age one will likely last forever. Your dog’s teeth will be white but not as they were at his young age. His molars may start looking a little yellow. That’s why he would need dental care, such as frequent brushing and vet visits. Since many things change as the pup grows one year old, here are some critical insights about them.
Things to expect when your pup is one year of age
Their overall growth depends on their breed. Generally, smaller ones mature by nine months or one year. Larger dogs stop growing after two years of age. If your dog has attained its full height and gained enough weight for its size, it has reached its physical maturity. As per reproductive capacity, the dogs are sexually mature by six months. They can reproduce from here on. Some pet parents opt for spaying and neutering at this stage. But you must consult your vet first to understand what suits your dog’s health best. Some adult dogs can still exhibit puppy behavior regarding energy, but their chewing behavior can likely reduce. They must learn a few socialization skills and household routines at this stage. As mentioned earlier, their dental care routine must begin at this age.
Pet parents also emphasize the need to provide preventive care to them. They should have their wellness checkup once a year for a healthy life. It helps determine their physical health status, nutrition requirements, and diet. With proper health tracking, it becomes easy to vaccinate them and avoid any risks. For instance, parasite and heartworm examinations can be crucial.
Planning activities for adult dogs
Your pup is now an all-grown-up dog at age one. However, it doesn’t imply a dog’s social skills and other training can stop. Dog activities that reinforce his puppyhood lessons and help him adjust better to the environment need an introduction. So, focus on his training classes even if his initial sessions were brilliant. Teach him all the good manners that let him acclimatize to human society. Test him for his socialization skills. Then, it is also necessary to expose him to different fun competitions. Agility-based sports can be a great choice. Even a rally is an excellent pick, allowing them to be agile and obedient. Other fascinating activities include tracking, dock diving, and flyball. His increased attention span and maturity will enable him to participate in and enjoy all these complex sports.
Some dogs dislike going outdoors because of their lack of exposure. Please make sure you take your pup in the open. Otherwise, it will be challenging to take your pet out. If the puppy has been comfortable with outings, you can take it to beaches, parks, and pet-friendly restaurants when it is one year old. All these are vital to improving a dog’s socialization skills. The more your dog interacts with the outside world, the more it will learn to adjust and grow. Does your dog like other dogs’ companionship? In that case, you, with other pet parents, can organize a playdate for them. Please make sure all of them are one year old. Some people sign up at a daycare facility so their pets can play with their peers. Such activities help burn their excess energy and make them sleep well when they are back.
A few points about a barking dog
Fear, excitement, greetings, or anything can make them bark. Every barking can be a signal to something. Hence, you must pay attention to their yapping. If you shout or scold them, it can be terrible. How do you deal with this, then? Suppose you know why your pup barks. It can be the sight of a mailman, people with hats, or kids riding their bikes. If these things are new to him, you can introduce your dog to these situations more while treating him. Ask for help from dear ones if you want.
Another trick is diverting its attention. Some dogs bark at any random thing when you take them outdoors or on seeing someone pass by the house. In those situations, you can engage him in a different activity, such as commanding him to lie down or take a round in a circle. It will stop his barking frenzy. However, this method will work if your dog follows commands well. Of course, practice is a critical part. Also, you must encourage him to obey your order by rewarding him. Dogs are often fond of treats and will follow what you ask them to do.
Raising a pup or dog takes lots of patience and dedication. Since they depend on you for their health and well-being, you must provide them with the right atmosphere for their growth. Plan their days based on their age and behavior. Once familiar with the environment, pet parents taste life’s best joys together. These little beings become your best friend, accomplice, and dear family with a bit of nurturing, bonding, and care.
