When is a dog no longer a puppy? 6 signs your dog's full-grown (2024)

Getting a new puppy is one of the most exciting events that dog lovers experience, but it’s not without its challenges.

Late nights, potty accidents, and damaged shoes are typical with a new little one. On the other hand, so are the snuggles, too-big paws, and playtimes.

A dog’s lifespan is divided into three phases: puppy, adult, and senior. Puppies have specific needs, including a special diet and extra blankets, and most furry babies won’t have the attention span for training until at least eight weeks old.

So when is a dog no longer a puppy and thus can be considered fully grown?

It’s important to note this transition because you’ll want to change your dog’s diet and routine.

Here are six key indicators to monitor your dog’s age and determine that your puppy is growing up, as hard as it can be to admit.

Age

Newborn puppies depend entirely on their moms; their eyes are shut, their movements are limited, and their bodies can only tolerate their mother’s milk.

They are so small that they can’t even regulate their body heat, so puppies stick close to their litter and mom.

In most cases, pet owners can take their new puppy home when it’s eight weeks of age.

At eight weeks, puppies should have completed the weaning process and can tolerate softened puppy kibble.

Between eight-to-twelve weeks, no matter its breed, your new puppy will still be small and clumsy, requiring extra support and supervision.

So when does a puppy become a dog?

Your pup will continue to grow and develop, and most small and medium breeds are considered fully grown at 12 months.

However, some large andgiant breeds (those weighing 50 pounds or more) aren’t fully developed until two years old.

Diet

You should feedyour puppy several meals a day at eight weeks old, and you may wonder when puppies can start eating hard food.

While you can add solid food at eight weeks, not all dog foods are created equal.

Puppy food has extra calories and supplemental vitamins and minerals your fuzzy pal needs to grow.

For the first few months, puppies will need four puppy-sized meals a day — be sure to stick to regular times so your puppy gets used to a reliable feeding schedule.

Around three months old, you can begin reducing your pup’s meals to three times a day.

Monitor your puppy’s food intake to make sure they handle the switch to eating solid foods and adjust accordingly over the next few months.

Most dogs are spayed or neutered between six and nine months; this procedure will slow your puppy’s metabolism, and you can probably switch to two meals a day.

You can also begin introducing adult food around this age, but there’s no rush.

Large breeds take longer to develop physically, so you can stick to the puppy food until your little one is at least a year old before switching to adult dog food.

Energy

Puppies need a lot of sleep — many snooze up to 20 hours daily. Their bodies are growing, and the process demands a lot of rest.

However, when puppies are awake, they’ll be extra playful. Expect many rounds of zoomies because they seem to have boundless energy. Puppies are curious and will test their boundaries.

This phase doesn’t last forever, so give them plenty of playtime and attention when needed; you can also begin introducing some essential boundaries and simple commands.

Smaller breeds will calm down around six months of age, while larger breeds will likely continue to act out until they reach at least a year.

Spaying or neutering your puppy will also help level off its energy levels. As your puppy matures, usually around one year, it should noticeably calm down (though larger breeds may extend this phase to two years of age).

Consult your vet to determine the right time to neuter your dog.

Behavior

You’ll observe some behavioral changes as your puppy becomes an adult or reaches maturity.

Young puppies (those aged three weeks to three months) need plenty of socialization with people and other dogs.

Puppies are getting used to the world around them, and it can be scary, so it’s natural for them to approach new situations cautiously.

Introduce your puppy to different sounds and experiences (like driving in the car, having its nails cut, and visiting the veterinarian).

Puppies must get used to these situations at a young age. Otherwise, they could grow into overly anxious or fearful adult dogs.

When practicing a new experience, stay calm and bring extra treats. Your puppy will respond accordingly and remember it as a positive experience.

Different-sized breeds will enter their teenage years at different times.

Small dogs usually begin producing hormones around six months, and larger dogs are closer to ten months.

There are some signs your puppy has grown into being an adolescent dog; it will still be playful but may push boundaries.

Teenage dogs can be destructive and won’t want to listen to you. Approach these changes with patience and hold consistent expectations.

Teething

When your puppy begins teething, it’s a clear sign that it’s growing up. Be cautious with those razor sharp puppy teeth.

Puppies begin growing their adult teeth around four months of age — though it does vary based on the breed. You’ll notice that some of your puppy’s baby teeth will begin falling out (much like a human child’s teeth).

Growing new teeth is uncomfortable.

Your puppy will begin chewing on everything to help ease discomfort in its gums. So, be sure to hide any belongings you don’t want to be ruined.

Have plenty of toys accessible throughout the house. Young dogs should stop teething around six months of age.

Potty training

New puppies don’t have complete control over their little fuzzy bodies yet and may have accidents in the house.

It’s frustrating, but you don’t want to punish your furry friend for something it can’t control. You can begin house training immediately, though. Maintain a routine with plenty of opportunities to go outside.

Offer praise or treats when your puppy potties outside of the house.

Around twelve weeks old, your pup should have better use of its bodily functions, and it’ll have an understanding of its daily routine. By six months old, puppies should be fully house-trained.

Help your dog during the transition

As dogs transition from puppyhood to adulthood, they undergo significant emotional and social changes.

During the early stages of puppyhood, dogs require ample socialization with people and other dogs to acclimate them to their world.

This period is crucial for helping them develop confidence and ease any apprehensions they may have about new experiences.

Introducing puppies to different sounds, environments, and situations, such as car rides and veterinary visits, can help shape their behavior and prevent them from developing excessive anxiety or fear in the future.

As they mature, dogs may exhibit shifts in their behavior, ranging from increased curiosity and boundary-testing during their adolescent years to a more settled and calmer demeanor as they reach adulthood.

Young puppies are naturally playful and energetic, with a penchant for testing their boundaries. During their teenage years, they may display more independence and challenging behavior, signaling the need for patience and consistent training.

Understanding and adapting to these emotional and social changes are essential for helping dogs transition smoothly into adulthood.

By providing your dog with positive social experiences, setting consistent expectations, and maintaining patience, dog owners can support their pets through these formative stages and lay the groundwork for well-balanced and well-adjusted adult dogs.

Manage the changes

Tips for handling changes in behavior and energy levels during this transition:

Exercise

As your puppy grows into an adult, its energy levels may fluctuate. Regular exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy balance. Ensure your dog gets enough physical activity through walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and excessive energy.

Training

Consistent training is essential during your dog’s transition from puppyhood to adulthood. Continue reinforcing good behaviors and set clear boundaries to prevent unwanted behaviors. Positive reinforcement techniques can be effective in guiding your dog through behavioral changes.

Socialization

Continue socializing your dog with other animals and people to help them adjust to new environments and situations. Positive social interactions can prevent anxiety and fear-related behaviors in adulthood.

Mental stimulation

Engage your dog in mental exercises such as puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games to keep their minds active and prevent boredom. Mental stimulation can help reduce unwanted behaviors born out of frustration or excess energy.

Be consistent

Stick to a routine for feeding, exercise, and training to provide structure for your dog. Consistency helps your dog feel secure and understand what is expected of them as they mature.

Final thoughts on when is a dog no longer a puppy

Whether for humans or canines, the transition to adulthood isn’t always easy, but there are many milestones along the way.

Hold consistent boundaries and routines but have plenty of positive praise and treats for puppies as they grow up and become happy, healthy adult dogs.

You’ll have a loving, reliable pal when it’s fully grown.

Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success