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Your Dog's Life - Ages and Stages

by Krista Mifflin
for About.com

4 of 8

Toddlerhood - Three to Seven Months

Irish setters, aged 5 months.Photo courtesy of Paolo
Teething, an obscene amount of energy followed by sudden crashes into napping mode, and rough play all characterize this stage of puppyhood. By now your puppy should know the basics: sit, lie down, and off.

Puppies start to lose their milk teeth at this stage, so don't panic if you see a trace of blood on your puppy's chew toys. Be sure and provide plenty of acceptable things to gnaw on though, and now is the perfect age to start reinforcing good "trade" and "redirection" habits, as your puppy may find your shoes more tasty than a plastic teether. It's also time to start a good dental schedule, with appropriate doggy toothbrushes and pastes (not human toothpaste).

  • Surviving the Teething Months
  • Basic Dental Care for Healthy Teeth
  • The Importance of Dental Care for Pets
  • Stop Play-Biting and Nipping


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