When your puppy arrives, it’s hard not to fall completely in love. You start dreaming about the wonderful life you’ll share together. But between those first cuddles and that vision of the perfect companion, there’s a whole lot of development that needs to happen—full of learning, milestones, and the occasional meltdown.
Your pup comes into your life with little understanding of the world, and those early experiences shape who they become. Each stage of their growth offers both challenges and opportunities.
Here’s how we like to break it down:
🍼 The First 8 Weeks
Aka: “I can’t wait to get them!”
This stage happens with the breeder before your puppy comes home. And it’s more important than many people realise.
When choosing a breeder, look carefully at the parents. If they’re high energy, confident, and friendly, there’s a good chance your puppy will share those traits. On the other hand, if they’re anxious or shy, that may also show up in your puppy’s behaviour. That said, every dog is an individual—meeting the parents a few times and speaking with the breeder about temperament is essential.
Also, ask the breeder about how they’re preparing the puppies for the world. A responsible breeder will introduce toilet training, separation comfort, interaction with household items, and basic exposure to daily life. These early lessons can make a big difference.
A great breeder hands over a puppy who’s ready to thrive in your home, not one who’s just been kept fed and safe.
🐾 Puppyhood (8 Weeks to ~6 Months)
Aka: “You’re adorable… but stop biting!”
This is where the fun (and work) really begins.
Your puppy is now learning all about your world. Attention spans are short, curiosity is sky-high, and their mouth becomes the go-to tool for exploration. They’ll be into everything, and while they’re endlessly cute, they’re also learning all the time.
Even before they’re ready to explore outside, you can start guiding behaviour inside the home. Focus on setting routines, teaching boundaries, and rewarding calm, polite behaviours.
Good puppy training = proactive management.
Encourage what you do want and prevent opportunities for the wrong behaviours to form. Time, consistency, and patience are key—and having the right support can help shape a dog that’s confident, well-mannered, and happy.
Once your puppy is vaccinated and ready to go out, socialisation becomes crucial—but it’s more than just meeting other dogs. It’s about helping them feel calm and safe around all sorts of new experiences, at their own pace. Overwhelming a puppy can do more harm than good. Learning to read their body language will help you adjust and ensure that socialisation is always a positive experience.
😬 Adolescence (~6 Months to 18–24 Months)
Aka: “Why did I get a dog again?”
Welcome to the rebellious teen phase.
Some dogs glide through adolescence with minimal fuss. Others seem like a completely different dog overnight. This stage is shaped by hormone-driven neurological development—aka, their brains are being completely rewired.
Your once focused, obedient pup may now:
Ignore recall
Pull like a freight train on walks
Bark more
Seem anxious or overly excited
Become less interested in you and more interested in the world
This is all normal. But it can be tough. You might feel like all your puppy training has gone out the window. The truth is, your dog is struggling too. They’re not being “naughty”—they’re going through a necessary developmental phase.
What helps?
✔ Shorter, success-focused training sessions
✔ Lower expectations during difficult days
✔ Using management tools (like long lines)
✔ Positive reinforcement and gentle guidance
✔ Getting support from a qualified trainer
It’s also worth noting: neutering doesn’t always change behaviour in the way you might expect. It’s best to consult a vet behaviourist before making any decisions.
Adolescence can be stormy—but ride the waves, and you’ll come out stronger together.
🐶 Adulthood (18–24 Months and Beyond)
Aka: “I love owning a dog… should we get another?”
As your dog matures, things generally start to settle. You’ll likely notice they’re calmer, more focused, and easier to live with. The bond you’ve been building starts to pay off.
This is a fantastic time to deepen training. Because they’re less distracted, you can work on refining behaviours, developing new skills, and enjoying more freedom together.
If some adolescent habits have stuck around, don’t panic. Behaviour modification and consistent training can still help shift things in the right direction. We always say: you can teach an old dog new tricks—it just takes a bit more patience.
🎯 Development in Action: A Quick Look at Recall
How recall changes across stages:
First 8 Weeks: The breeder should be teaching the puppy to enjoy human interaction and come when called (without jumping!).
Puppyhood: Your dog wants to be with you—this is the golden time for laying solid foundations. Start in the house/garden. Use a long line outdoors as your safety net.
Adolescence: Recall often breaks down. Bring back the long line and practice in lower-distraction areas. Be patient—it’s a phase!
Adulthood: With a strong bond, reliable recall becomes possible again. But never stop practising—good habits are built over time.
Final Thoughts
Raising a dog is a journey. Each stage brings its own set of joys and frustrations. Understanding what’s normal and being prepared to adapt will make the road smoother.
💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments below.
📞 Want personalised advice? Book a free 15-minute chat—whether in-person or remote, we’d love to help.
Cotswold Hound
Force-free dog training and support in Cheltenham and the Cotswolds.