A woman sits outside on the grass in her backyard while hugging two dogs. Another dog stands in the background.

Anticipating and Celebrating Puppy Milestones

Like a child, a puppy also experiences important training and development milestones as it ages. While these markers may seem small, a puppy’s efforts to be the best companion possible should always be celebrated. Here are some important milestones to anticipate and some ways to celebrate them.

Important Milestones for Puppies

Training milestones are important for both puppies and their owners. They’re great ways to track progress and development while ensuring that you’re raising a well-behaved and adaptable dog. Here are some foundational milestones to anticipate.

Potty Training

When it comes to raising puppies, potty training is often the hardest yet most necessary training. For some dog owners, this could take months. So it’s exciting news when a puppy learns that your indoor home space isn’t the bathroom.

Learning Commands

Learning commands is significant in raising a well-behaved dog. It’s also a great way to keep them engaged and mentally stimulated. Depending on the breed, teaching commands could take some trial and error. Not to mention weeks of hard work and patience. These commands can range. Some are:

  • Sit
  • Stay
  • Lay down
  • Speak
  • Find it
  • Come

Learning commands becomes even more paramount for puppies training to become service dogs, requiring specialized commands.

Overcoming New Environments

For owners looking for a well-socialized dog, a puppy’s ability to adapt to new environments is a huge milestone. Whether it’s people, places, or things, a puppy’s ability to maintain good behavior and follow its owner’s lead is a huge accomplishment.

Remember, each milestone—no matter how small—contributes to a well-behaved and confident dog. So, it’s important to recognize and anticipate these accomplishments.

How to Celebrate Successful Puppy Training

When a puppy has successfully learned new training, it’s a moment to celebrate. It’s hard work for both of you! Here are three ways to celebrate successful puppy training that show you’re proud of your companion.

Treats

No matter the breed, every puppy loves treats. Why not celebrate by offering them their favorite? This is a special delight if you make your treats at home or have nutritious ones like Get Joy’s. Keep your puppy eager to learn more with delicious rewards.

Toys

If treats aren’t interesting to you, perhaps offering them a new or favorite toy is. While puppies enjoy learning, they love having something to chew and tug on the most. For every milestone and accomplishment, offer them playtime with a new, engaging toy.

Pets and Praise

One of the best rewards a puppy can receive is your praise and snuggles. Puppies love their owners and are extremely dedicated to pleasing them, so a smile, belly rubs, and praise will absolutely do the trick.

Remember, these accomplishments and milestones involved hard work and dedication from both you and your puppy. They also happen once in their lifetime. So take a moment to celebrate them, you, and your growing bond.

Support Canine Health and Wellness with Get Joy

At Get Joy, we’re dedicated to providing dog owners with deliciously fresh meals and treats that help support their dogs’ health and provide information that elevates their well-being. Learn more about how to best support your dog’s health and wellness with us today.