Puppy Milestones Month by Month

1 Month

• Milk teeth are coming in

• Weaning can begin

1 ½ Months

• Nipping, play fighting, chewing

• About 70% of adult brain mass is present

2 Months

• Typical adoption time

• Begin housebreaking and integration with household (including children and other pets)

• Begin talking with your veterinarian about vaccinations and the benefits of spaying/neutering

• Puppy classes can begin at 6-8 weeks after a first vaccine

3 Months

• Chasing animals, thrown objects, own tail

• Recognizes own name

• About 90% of adult brain mass is present

4 Months

• Responds to “come”

5 Months

• Approaching adult height and weight for small breeds (up to 20 lbs.)

6 Months

• Fetching; toys remain important through adulthood

• Can respond to “heel,” “down,” “sit,” “fetch,” “stay”

• Sexual maturity for some small breed dogs

7 Months

• Milk teeth are lost; permanent teeth are in

8 Months

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

9 Months

• Puppy training classes complete

12 Months

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

18 Months

• Sexual maturity reached for some large breed dogs

• Approaching social maturity, adult behavior (all dogs)