The Growth Chronicle of a Dog

Hello!

This is Kim's Pups, Korea's specialized teacup puppy breeder and boutique.

Sometimes, you might think, "My puppy is still so young," but when you look through old photos, you might often find yourself wondering, "Was he/she really this small?"

Time spent with a dog is special, yet it passes so quickly, and they grow more and more each day.

To help you better understand the journey your beloved dog takes as they mature into a well-behaved companion, Kim’s Pups has compiled an overview of the key stages in a dog's development!

 

 

 

1. Neonatal Period – Birth to 2 Weeks

Newborn puppies interact with their mother using only their sense of smell and touch, marking the beginning of their sensory development.

Sleeping and feeding take up most of their time.

By the second week, their baby teeth start to emerge, and they begin to take their first steps.

 

2. Infancy – 3 to 4 Weeks

At this stage, puppies open their eyes and ears, and their sensory development accelerates as they begin exploring the world around them.

They gradually reduce their dependence on their mother and start to recognize their surroundings.

This is when the foundations of how they will interact with the world are laid.

 

 

 

3. Socialization Period 1 – 1 to 2 Months

This is the critical period for early socialization, where puppies begin having various experiences and interactions as dogs.

It’s crucial for puppies to stay with their mother and littermates during this time, as this helps build a solid emotional and social foundation.

During this phase, puppies’ immunity—passed down from their mother—begins to weaken, and they start eating solid food.

Close attention to their health is essential.

 

4. Socialization Period 2 – 2 to 3 Months

This is the youngest age at which you can welcome a puppy into your family.

By 2 months, a puppy is roughly equivalent to a 1-year-old human child.

At this point, they begin eating puppy food, and their nervous system is developing rapidly.

From 3 months onwards, their curiosity soars, and they are ready to learn.

This is an ideal time to start training them!

 

 

 

5. Adolescence – 3 to 6 Months

Around 3 months, puppies begin to discover their individual preferences and dislikes.

By 4 months, socialization is nearly complete, and the focus shifts from social experiences to training.

Around 5 months, puppies start to lose their baby teeth and begin teething, which often leads to them chewing on various objects.

Behavior becomes more varied, and their energy and curiosity grow, but since their skeletal and muscular development is still ongoing, they should be monitored carefully during play.

Puppies in this stage are prone to reckless challenges.

Additionally, because their bladder and bowel control are still immature, accidents during house training are common, requiring patience and consistency.

Many puppies at this age visit the vet due to swallowing foreign objects or falling, so controlling their activity level and providing safe indoor play is important.

 

6. Young Adult – 6 Months to 1 Year

While growth continues steadily during the previous stages, it is during this period that a puppy’s development nears completion.

Small breed dogs typically experience sexual maturity around 6 to 7 months, and by 10 months, they grow to nearly full adult size.

From this point, they begin to assert themselves and express their desires.

By 12 months, their bones are fully developed, and both their body and mind have matured into those of an adult dog.

This is also when they begin to solidify their relationship with their family, and many dogs start to recognize that they are different from humans and other animals.

 

 

 

7. Adulthood – 1 to 6 Years

After their first year, dogs reach full physical maturity.

Although they become more active, their calorie needs may decrease.

From this stage, they should switch to adult dog food, and attention should be paid to prevent obesity.

During the next 2 to 6 years, dogs maintain their maturity, and their personality becomes well-defined.

They develop their own way of communicating and set boundaries.

 

8. Senior Years – 7 Years and Up

Once a dog reaches 7 years old, they enter their senior years.

As aging takes its toll, they may be prone to health issues, so regular check-ups and extra care are needed.

It’s essential to continue showing love and attention to ensure they enjoy their senior years comfortably.

A dog's growth is fast, and with it comes the responsibility to care for them at each stage of their development.

 

 

 

Through this process, Kim’s Pups has once again been reminded of how precious our time with them truly is.

It is our responsibility—and our joy—to enrich their lives and make them happy.

Supporting them with love and care throughout their journey is, we believe, the most important thing we can do.

And with that thought, we conclude today’s message.

This is Kim's Pups. Thank you.

* Every picture in this article is from Kim's Pups puppies.

 

 

 

Choosing a pet isn’t just about having a cute animal; it’s about creating memories and sharing life as a family.

That’s why it’s important to carefully 'choose' your companion.

By considering your living environment, lifestyle, and the dog's personality and exercise needs, we at Kim’s Pups are always ready to provide personalized 1:1 consultations for potential adopters.

Since welcoming a new family member is such an important step, feel free to reach out for any questions or guidance.

We're here to help! 😊