Is a 2 year old dog still considered a puppy? Find Out Here

When Does a Puppy Become an Adult Dog?

Your puppy wont reach maturity all at once. Like humans, dogs transition from baby to adult in stages, though the transition happens much more quickly for dogs. Heres what to look for as your puppy matures:

Sexual Maturity: Most dogs become sexually mature by 6 months when theyre still in the puppy stage of development both physically and emotionally. At this point, your pups sex organs are fully developed, making them capable of reproducing. Spaying or neutering your dog is recommended in order to avoid unwanted pregnancies and adverse behaviors, such as roaming or marking. While the traditional age for spaying or neutering is 6 to 9 months old, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) explains that healthy puppies as young as 8 weeks old can be eligible. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best age for your pups unique needs.

Physical Maturity: Physically speaking, dogs are fully grown by the time theyre 1 year old, although large breeds may keep growing until theyre 2 years old. When your pup reaches physical maturity, they may still engage in puppy-like behaviors but their physical needs, including the number of calories they need to consume and how much exercise they require to stay healthy, become that of an adult dog.

Emotional Maturity: Youll know your dog has reached emotional maturity when they stop acting like a puppy or an adolescent and fully settle into the role of an adult dog. Typically, emotionally mature adults are less distractible, better at listening and obeying and have a calmer and more settled demeanor. The precise timing of this milestone differs, but most dogs reach emotional maturity by their second birthday.

In puppy development, the time between reaching sexual maturity and emotional maturity is akin to human adolescence. This can be a challenging stage — at times your pups behavior might remind you of that of a rebellious teenager. While not all adolescent puppies exhibit behavior problems, it is extremely common. Its important to be patient, but firm and consistent when establishing boundaries and expectations for behavior.

Find food that fits your pet’s needs

Is your puppy becoming an adult dog? It may be hard to tell. If youve had them since they were a young puppy, youll remember the many changes they experienced: their teeth coming in, learning to play fetch, potty training and socializing.

But the older your pooch gets, the smaller and more subtle their developmental growth becomes. Its important for you, as the pet parent, to understand the changes occurring at every stage of puppy development so that you can keep up with their changing needs as they grow into an adult dog.

He Starts Acting Like a Teenager

As a dog ages, he may begin to test boundaries. “The puppy is generally reluctant to speck its mind about scary or aversive things. The adult dog is less reserved. For this reason, owners often notice aggression in their dogs sometime between 18 and 36 months of age,” says Dr. Liz Stelow.

To combat this, Gruen stresses the importance of staying on top of unwanted behaviors. “Good habits are best to start early! As puppies mature and grow, behaviors that were once cute (like jumping up) become much harder to manage,” she says.

If any odd behaviors pop up that you have a hard time getting your dog to cease, it’s best to consult your veterinarian or a certified animal trainer.

Photo: iStock.com/smrm1977

The Truth About Dog Years (Your Pupper Is Older Than You Think!)

A dog is no longer a puppy between 12 to 18 months with some variation based on breed, size and personality. Smaller breeds tend to develop and reach maturity sooner, both physically and emotionally versus large to giant breeds that can take up to almost 24 months before reaching adulthood.

Puppies seem to grow up fast. One moment you’re bringing them home for the first time and watching them race around the house, a tiny ball of boundless energy. The next thing you know, you’ve got a full-sized dog cuddling up to you.

During puppyhood, you have the responsibility of choosing a veterinarian, making sure they’re eating a complete and balanced puppy food, training, playing with them, and giving them tons of love and affection. So, when is a puppy not a puppy anymore? What are the emotional and physical signs?