A New Do For Your Pup
Ease your puppy into a brushing routine. Start with a warm washcloth. Give your pup a treat and then gently wipe his coat on the least sensitive body part, this is usually their back. Repeat and gradually work towards their head, paws and tail.
As your pup gets comfortable with the process you can begin to introduce a soft bristled brush. Regular brushing sessions is essential to remove loose hair and dandruff, and should be a regular exercise for even short haired pups.
Typically a bath every 4-5 weeks will do. However young puppies should have more frequent practice sessions, which will allow your pup an opportunity to get used to the process.
Start with just an inch or two of warm water, and have your pup practice standing calmly while you use a washcloth to gently wipe their body. Intermittently reward him with tiny treats. As your 6-month puppy get’s used to this, start to add more water and a gentle puppy shampoo to the mix.
You may choose to have a professional perform nail clippings in the future, but you should prepare your pup for the process early. Gently touch his paws and nails followed by a reward. Gradually increase the length of time you hold his paw before giving a treat.
Start to introduce the clippers by touching them to your pup’s paw and rewarding. When you feel confident that your pup isn’t afraid, try clipping the tiniest bit of a nail. Practice this often and keep sessions short and pleasant.
At about 5 to 6 months, if you have more than one pup, you may find that play becomes more aggressive and exhibits some nipping, growling, and other general displays of dominance. Many males, and some females, will begin humping each other at this stage as they rehearse for their adult roles. Such behavior is acceptable as long as it is not directed towards you.
The following list will help you know what to expect from your puppy as he develops.
Puppies can be taught to sit, lie down, wait, stay, leave it, and other such useful commands that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Once these behaviors have been learned they should be reinforced periodically throughout life. This is the usual time for formal puppy training classes outside the home. Such classes are extremely helpful as long as they are conducted in a non-confrontational way.
But What If I Missed the Socialization Window?
Want the hard truth? You’ll have more work ahead of you if you missed the crucial puppy socialization window.
And, worse, your dog may never completely catch up.
Fear not, though — you can still do a lot to help your adult dog learn about the world around them, help them adapt to it and be less fearful or reactive.
How To Train German Shepherd Puppy – 6 months old – Day One Lesson One with Hadley
During 6 months to 1 year of age, your puppys physical changes will slow down a bit and their energy levels may increase showing you a newer side of your puppys personality. At 6 months, your puppy is now considered an adolescent after their fast-growing juvenile stage from age 3 to 6 months.
Be prepared to adapt to your puppys needs in this life stage since they may have several behavior changes that will need your reinforcement in training and patience. Remember to continue introducing your dog to different experiences with people and environments since they are still understanding the outside world.
By six months of age, your puppys growth will slow down. Most small dog breeds will be nearly finished growing at this time, though they may continue to fill out over the next three to six months. Medium dogs often keep growing for a few more months, but at a slower rate. Large and giant dog breeds tend to keep growing until they are 12 to 24 months old. Between six and eight months, many puppies have a “lanky” and awkward look that is quite adorable.
Most dogs are house trained and in full control of their bladders and bowels by the age of six months. House training is mainly complete at this point. Some puppies will still have an occasional accident in the house, especially if there is a change in the routine. Continue to be patient and consistent; this is normal. If your dog is still having major issues with house training, contact your vet for advice. Your puppy may have a health issue that can be treated.
Your puppy should have all of their adult teeth by six months of age. This means that teething is over and your dog may chew less obsessively. Remember that it is still normal for dogs to chew, so make sure you have healthy dog chews available.
Dogs reach sexual maturity between 6 and 8 months of age. Pet owners should consider having their dog spayed or neutered by 6 months of age for small-breed dogs and between 9 and 15 months for large breed dogs, after growth stops.
If you have not neutered your male dog, he will begin to show an interest in female dogs, specifically those in heat. He will go to great lengths to mate at this point. Whether neutered or not, he will likely begin to lift his leg to urinate (if he hasnt already) and may begin marking areas with urine. Marking behavior can be curbed more easily if you stop it early. Catch your dog in the act and redirect him to an appropriate place. Marking behavior tends to be less severe in neutered dogs.
If your female dog has not been spayed, she will likely go into heat (estrus) between the ages of 6 and 8 months. She can easily become pregnant at this time if she is with a male dog. She may also try to escape the house to mate.
Your 6-month-old puppy is an adolescent now, and their behavior may show it. He may have an increase in energy and willfulness. The dynamic between other dogs may also change; adult dogs can now tell they are old enough to know better and will not go as easy on them if they step out of line.
Just because your puppy is past the optimum socialization window, it doesnt mean that socialization should stop. Your puppy is still exploring his environment and learning new things. Continue to expose your puppy to new experiences, people, places, things, and sounds. Reward for calm behavior and ignore fearful behavior.
It is common for adolescent puppies to exhibit some destructive behavior in this stage. This is often caused by boredom due to the increase in energy and confidence. Continue to provide plenty of exercise for your puppy.
Puppies between 6 and 12 months of age may sometimes act like they “forgot” their training. Be consistent and firm. Continue to have regular training sessions, covering the old basics again, and mixing in newer, more difficult tasks.