How Puppies Grow into Adult Dogs

[FamTimes reporter Lee Kyung-han] Growing is a natural process for every living thing. Dogs are no exception. They do not remain cute, obedient and playful puppies forever.

During puppyhood, dogs need to learn basic skills and behavioral guidelines that will help shape their personalities as they grow older.

Dogs’ personalities can sometimes vary by breed.

Quiet dogs such as pugs require particular attention to socialization. Active dogs such as Labradors, on the other hand, need guidance from their owners.

Like human children, dogs need friends to play with as they grow from puppyhood. By meeting other dogs, they learn to socialize. Interacting with dogs of all kinds and ages helps shape their personalities as they mature.

Puppies are full of energy, so they need plenty of play. If the owner runs, the puppy will become excited and run alongside them; if the owner throws a ball, the puppy will grow even more excited and race off to catch it.

Obedience varies with age. Puppies have a strong ability to concentrate, which is precisely why training begins early. Teaching an older dog something new takes longer than training a puppy, so owners must be patient.

At the stage equivalent to the transition from adolescence to adulthood in humans, dogs develop independence and may occasionally defy their owners.

Like growing teenagers and young adults, puppies undergo dramatic hormonal changes. During this period, a dog may become more aggressive or focus on exploring its surroundings.

At this stage, dogs develop a concept of the pack and its leader. As a result, they may fight other dogs to establish dominance and may also mate.

Dogs grow so quickly that owners may find it difficult to keep track of their development. The best thing an owner can do is learn to read the dog’s body language.

This is the most effective way to understand a dog. Sometimes dogs want to play, while at other times they want affection. These needs vary depending on the individual dog and the situation.

Watching your puppy grow into an adult dog is always an enjoyable experience. It is much like becoming a parent. If you make every effort to raise your dog well, it will live up to your expectations.

Reporter Lee Kyung-han, fam1@pcss.co.kr