Ages & Stages: Adults

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He's confident, armed with knowledge, and ready to make his way in the world (that is, of course, on leash). While dogs of all ages require care and attention, adulthood is a relatively low-maintenance stage in the canine life cycle.

It's also the perfect time to adopt. Adult dogs are likely housetrained and beyond the mouthy, jumpy phases of puppyhood and adolescence, but they have plenty of active, healthy, loving years ahead of them.

What defines the stage

You're still the leader and caregiver in his eyes, but your dog may become less of a dependent and more of a companion in yours. And while bonding takes place throughout your relationship, many people report that this is the time when they begin to truly feel close to their dogs.

Sound corny? Don't be surprised when he's able to gauge your emotions and moods in the same way you are able to read his.

During the adult years, your dog will:

Settle into his size and personality. His height and weight should level off, as he is fully grown, and his basic temperament will be well established.
Mellow out. Your dog's constant, urgent need to play will probably dim a little. Don't expect to find him curled up with a good book (unless he's chewing on it), but he may not protest if your fetch session is shortened by a toss or two.
Continue to mature mentally, although the signs may be more subtle. At this stage, there won't be huge jumps in his development, but it's still important to provide plenty of learning and training opportunities.

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Adults topics

Bringing home your dog
Choosing a shelter dog

Feeding an adult dog
Housetraining (adults)

Though his bladder may be up to the task of a long day in the house, a midday walk will do wonders for him mentally. If you can't come home for lunch, consider hiring a dog walker. Canines are pack animals--a noontime visit is just the thing to keep boredom and loneliness at bay.

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Comments

“My husband and I have just adopted a 2 1/2 year old Toy Fox Terrier female from a couple in FL. The family needs to find their 2 TFTs new homes as they are experiencing a illness within their ranks that means they will not have the time to properly give attention to their pets. Molly,our adopted TFT,has turned out to be a wonderful friend. Her mate,Zach,is still in need of a home. I could have had him also jsut for Molly's adoption fee,but we talked it over and decided it could prove to be too much financially to adopt the 2. I had to think and talk abt this with my husband for a good week. I wanted them both ,you see. But to have taken both would have been selfish on my part. I had to think of what was best for the dogs,not what I wanted. Hard decisions are made a lot when it comes to pets. Or at least decisions should be thought of with wisdom and not "I want" decisions. I have a great vet who works with me abt the heartworm prevention and flea and tick prevention. Our finances are meager(like a lot of people right now,I am sure) but we thought it out and talked to our ,then,future vet,abt Molly's care at her office. We felt best to work these items out before we adopted a dog. We made the right thing. All is well and we are pleased to know Molly is protected as best we can.Your dogs job is to give you that unconditional love we all hear abt so much and your job is to love them and keep them from harm. There is a lot to mention in the "keep them from harm" job isn't there? Nourish them,shelter them,keep the parasites from them,play with them,keep them from pain as they age,and unfortunately make the tough decisions in their behalf when you or your pet can do no more.That means finding them a new family or euthanasia in case of their illness or old age debilitates them. RESPONSIBILITY is a tough job but has to be done to be "mans best friend". jackie prescott ” — piddler55, Jul 23 2008

Ages & Stages: Adults

What defines the stage

During the adult years, your dog will:

Adults topics

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