Little new born puppies sleeping

Growing Pup: What to expect at your puppy’s first year

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Watching your fur baby grow through the puppy stages can be one of the most unforgettable experiences for any pet parent. From their first movements to their playful bites, each stage of puppyhood is a core memory unlocked.

But these puppy stages, although fascinating, also require specific care and attention crucial for puppies’ physical, mental, and emotional development.

Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or just simply looking to better take care of your fur baby, this guide will walk you through the key phases of puppy development, from birth until they’re a year old. 

Newborn puppy to 4 weeks 

When puppies are born, their senses are not fully developed yet. But in the following weeks, you can already notice them slowly engaging with their surroundings.

While their eyes remain closed for the first few days, they gradually develop their sense of touch, smell, and hearing. These senses help them connect with their mother and siblings. 

little newborn puppies sleeping
Early senses & gentle beginnings for your newborn puppies.

During this stage, puppies remain heavily dependent on their mothers, relying on them for food and nourishment.

Small, solid puppy food may be introduced to puppies at three weeks old. Remember to do this gradually, as their little bodies still need to adjust to avoid upsetting their stomach.

💡 Every puppy develops at their own pace, but with love, structure, and support (including pet insurance for puppies like Knose), you’re setting them up for a healthy, happy life.

Newborn puppies also have limited movements. They spend most of their time just crawling, squirming, and sleeping. Their coordination does not kick in until around their 3rd or 4th week. This is when they start their slow, wobbly walk, needing support as they start to learn to balance themselves. 

Puppies at this age require delicate care and attention. Too much intervention can cause them stress, but too little may hamper their development.

As they near their first month, it’s also the right time to begin their preventive care plan, introducing necessary vaccines and deworming treatments.

Regular health checks are also crucial to ensure that they have no signs of illness or abnormalities. 

5 weeks to 8 weeks

Between five to eight weeks, puppies undergo rapid development, especially in their physique. One major change is the growth of their teeth, causing discomfort and an increase in chewing behavior. During this period, chew toys can provide major relief. 

Other than chewing on things, puppies at this age also get engaged in biting and chasing. They become more playful and excited, usually needing intervention to avoid danger or even just biting too hard.

Fun play sessions with balls and tug ropes can also help these puppies release all the energy they have. 

Since puppies are becoming more familiar with their environment between 5 to 8 weeks, this is also the best time to start introducing them to everyday noises like appliances and vehicles.

This gradual exposure will help them be more familiar with noises and reduce the chances of dog anxiety or fear in the future. 

With more solid food intake, these puppies become more vulnerable to parasites. Regular parasite prevention can greatly help in keeping them healthy and active. 

king charles spaniel puppies
One day they’re tiny, the next they’re zooming — puppies grow in the blink of an eye, so keep routines steady!

3 months to 6 months

When puppies are three to six months old, they undergo fast physical and mental growth brought by a surge in brain development.

In general, they become more curious about the things around them, often shown in their bursts of energy. Interactions become longer and more often, especially with other puppies they grow up with. 

Given their willingness to learn during this puppy stage, it’s best to take advantage and expose them to different people, places, and even other animals (check out our guide to Puppy Socialisation!).

This will help them learn how to appropriately interact with others. You can also start teaching them basic tricks and commands like “sit”, “stay”, or “bark”. 

As puppies grow, it is vital to be consistent in health care and grooming. While they are no longer as delicate as newborn puppies, they should still be regularly brought to vet check-ups. It’s also crucial to monitor their weight and energy level to avoid any joint or bone-related problems. 

Regular grooming sessions, like taking a bath and nail trimming, should also start at this point. This will help them get accustomed to these important routines as they grow up to be well-groomed and healthy dogs. 

7 months to 9 months

Puppies’ adolescence starts at around seven to nine months of age. At this period,  the once playful little furballs slowly turn into leaner, more independent pets. Physical growth slows down, but it hasn’t stopped entirely.

Mentally, puppies this age also deepen their curiosity, testing boundaries and sometimes ignoring even familiar commands. Hence, the importance of consistency, patience, and structured routines. 

Reinforcing what puppies have already learned is crucial in this puppy stage. They will often get distracted by new sights, smells, and even experiences, so it’s important to give them clear and consistent guidance.

With more patience, you can also begin introducing more complex commands and exposing them to new scenarios through play-based dog training.

Health care remains essential as your puppies grow. Other than regular vet visits, spaying and neutering can already be recommended at this age, depending on your doctor’s expert advice.

As their growth spurt starts to slow down, ensure that their grooming routines continue. Their dental hygiene might need more attention, as adult teeth will begin to appear as well. 

king charles spaniel adult dog
Most dog breeds like the King Charles Cavalier reach full height at 12 months.

10 months to 12 months

When puppies near their first birthday, they start to enter young adulthood. By this time, most medium to large breed dogs are nearing their full height, with just lesser muscle and weight.

Meanwhile, the smaller ones are already fully grown at this point. They move with more coordination and confidence, leaving behind much of their early clumsiness.

During this period, puppies can already be comfortable interacting with humans and other animals. This should be reinforced with continued training exercises to help them stay focused, confident, and obedient. Positive behaviors shall also be reinforced through treats and structured play outside. 

Diet should now be tailored to your dog’s breed, size, and activity level. Increased physical activity must also be complemented by regular veterinary check-ups to monitor development and prevent any serious health issues. Exercising together with your pets might also be the bond you need!

Supporting every puppy stage

Each puppy is unique, but all of them need care and patience as they grow. By having a deeper understanding of their developmental needs at each puppy stage, you’ll be better equipped to raise a healthy and well-behaved dog. 

Alongside a proper diet and regular visits to the vet, a reliable pet insurance like Knose can give you an extra safety blanket while your puppies grow.

Knose Pet Insurance helps cover the unexpected, so you can focus on enjoying each milestone without the stress of sudden veterinary costs.

With the right care and companionship from newborn to adulthood, your puppy care journey will give you memories that will last a lifetime.

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Yvette Balita is a fur parent to Shinx, a 6-year old Jack Russel, along with multiple cats, and even chickens! Growing up with all kinds of farm animals in her neighbourhood, she takes pride in coming up with unique pet names. The animals around her also give her a grounded perspective on the natural cycle of pet life and pets’ needs. Drawing from her personal journey and hands-on experience as a pet owner, Yvette contributes insights for pet owners seeking to care and protect their furry family members.


Sofia Formisano - Author

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Sofia Formisano

With a heart for animals and a mind for strategy, Sofia Francheska Insua is the creative force behind Knose’s content. Her mission? To help pet parents feel confident, supported, and empowered.

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