Understanding your dog’s life cycle allows you to cherish each stage

At Barking Mad, we believe that the time we have with our dogs is never long enough!
However, understanding a dog’s life cycle allows us to appreciate each stage. It also helps us to
understand our canine best friend’s behaviour and know what to expect in the next stage.
Research from RSPCA has shown that the average lifespan for purebred dogs is 11.9 years, with
crossbred dogs averaging a longer 13.1 years. This obviously varies from breed to breed and
dogs transition through the four stages of their life cycle at different speeds. The rate of ageing is
determined by factors such as genetics, nutrition and quality of care.
Dogs go through four stages of the life cycle: puppy, adolescent, adulthood and senior. Let’s take
a look at the four stages of a dog’s life cycle, so you can know what to expect.

Puppy Stage

The puppy stage begins with birth and lasts until dogs are between six and eighteen months old.
They are born deaf, blind and unable to regulate their body temperature.
At around 2-3  weeks, puppies start to see and hear and are able to stand and move around a
little. With their senses developed, they now start to learn about their surroundings. This is the
prime time to learn how to interact with humans and other pets.
A pup’s first eight weeks should be spent with their mother and siblings before beginning life
with their new owner. The dog’s breeder will start the socialisation process and their new owner
will expand upon it, whilst keeping them safe from infectious diseases before they have their
vaccinations.
It is important to house train your dog during this stage and ensure they receive the vaccinations
and care your vet recommends.

Adolescent Stage
 Our office dog Paddy is currently going through the adolescent stage
The adolescent stage of your dog’s life cycle will begin sometime between the ages of 6 and 18
months.
This is the stage of your dog’s life when hormones start to kick in, if not sprayed or neutered,
your adolescent dog may show signs of moody ‘teenage’ behaviour, just like humans.
You may notice your dog being reluctant to pay attention and more likely to exhibit undesirable
behaviour. Female adolescent dogs will go into heat and male adolescent dogs will become more
interested in marking with urine and sniffing.
The adolescent dog stage may continue until your dog reaches 18-24 months for smaller breeds
and up to 36 months in larger breeds. Training using gentle and consistent methods is highly
recommended for adolescent dogs and can help to stop behavioural problems. You can find a
reputable dog trainer near you by visiting the Association of Pet Dog Trainers’ website.
 

Adulthood
 The adult stage of a dog’s life cycle begins
at about 18 months for smaller breeds and up to 3 years for larger breeds.
Dogs become easier to manage, as their earlier training pays off, although they still enjoy
walks, play and mental stimulation.
It is a great time to find activities that you and your dog can enjoy together, such as agility
classes or hill walking.
 
 

The Senior Stage

Silver surfer Ollie still enjoys his Barking Mad holidays

Dogs cycle through their life quickly and they fill our lives with so much joy. It is important to
cherish each stage as a dog’s golden years will begin roughly between the ages of 7 and 10.
Their muzzle will tend to become grey and they will slow down, preferring a quiet stroll to an
energetic run. More sleep is needed and joint or dental problems are common. It is vital to keep
up with regular vet visits.
Larger breeds of dog will typically age faster, with the average lifespan being 11-12 years but
some dogs can even make it past 20!
 
 
 
 
Do you have to go away but are worried about leaving your dog at their
particular stage of life?

Barking Mad Dog Care provides a bespoke home from home dog sitting service which is
suitable for dogs at all stages of their lives, as long as they are fully vaccinated (subject to
suitable host availability).
Whether your pooch is a young pup who’s never been apart from you, or a golden oldie who
just wants to snooze on the sofa, we will match them with a host family to suit their
requirements.

SOURCE: https://www.barkingmad.uk.com/blog/uncategorised/the-key-stages-of-a-dogs-life-cycle/