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Pet Planner is a site that connects dog lovers and allows you to share your own experiences and learn about responsible pet ownership.

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For a week-by-week guide to your pet's development (starting at birth), check out our Pet Calendar
Don't have a pet yet? There's still much to learn about Dogs and Cats!

Puppy Development Chart

What to expect from your new puppy and when to expect it 1 month

  • Milk teeth are coming in
  • Weaning can begin

What to expect from your new puppy and when to expect it 1½ months

  • Nipping, play fighting, chewing
  • About 70% of adult brain mass is present

What to expect from your new puppy and when to expect it 2 months

  • Begin housebreaking and integration with household (including children and other pets)
  • Begin talking with your veterinarian about vaccinations and the benefits of spaying/neutering

What to expect from your new puppy and when to expect it 3 months

  • Chasing other animals, thrown objects, own tail
  • Recognizes own name
  • About 90% of adult brain mass is present

What to expect from your new puppy and when to expect it 4 months

  • Responds to "Come"

What to expect from your new puppy and when to expect it 5 months

  • Puppy training classes can begin after vaccinations are completed ask your veterinarian about the best starting time for your puppy
  • Approaching adult height and weight for small breeds (up to 20 lbs.)

What to expect from your new puppy and when to expect it 6 months

  • Fetching; toys remainimportant through adulthood
  • Can respond to "Heel," "Down," "Sit," "Fetch," "Stay"
  • Sexual maturity for some small breed dogs

What to expect from your new puppy and when to expect it 7 months

  • Milk teeth are lost; permanent teeth are in
  • Talk with your veterinarian about your puppy's dental health

What to expect from your new puppy and when to expect it 8 - 9 months

  • Puppy can be expected to hold elimination for about 8 hours
  • Puppy training classes complete

What to expect from your new puppy and when to expect it 12 months

  • Approaching adult height and weight for large breeds (more than 50 lbs.)

What to expect from your new puppy and when to expect it 18 months

  • Sexual maturity for some large breed dogs
  • Approaching social maturity, adult behaviour (all dogs)

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