Like a fine wine, our furry companions only get better with age but also undergo some intriguing behavior transformations. As your beloved dog ages, their personality and habits evolve, offering new insights into their world. In this guide, forpetloverz.com will unravel the captivating journey of dog behavior changes with age, helping you understand and embrace the delightful quirks of your ageing four-legged friend. So, let's embark on this heartwarming adventure together!

Behavioral changes in dogs according to age

Puppyhood (0-6 months)

Puppyhood lasts longer for larger breeds, but the basics are the same for every species. Puppies are full of energy. The world is a whole of curiosity for them, and they have their top priority to explore the world. Puppies may have appropriate and inappropriate behavior due to the developing sense. They may show some behavioral issues such as chewing, scratching, or mouth playing with humans. You can correct their behavior by training or positive reinforcement.

Junior (7-12 months): 

Junior dog is a teenager and can sexually reproduce.so, he thinks he has grown up, but he can sometimes act crazily due to his hormones.  

adult (1-7 years): 

Dogs of larger breeds take a little longer to reach full maturity. Large breeds can stay at puppyhood and come to the maturity standpoint at the age of 2 years. Adult dogs still have the energy to play, but not as much as in puppyhood.

Mature (7-9 years): 

A mature dog is the dog's version of middle age. It is the time when your pet starts to slow down quite a bit.

Senior (9+ years): 

Behavioral changes at this stage vary by breed. Older dogs are in the last part of their life anticipations. This advanced stage occurs earlier for larger species than it will for smaller breeds. As seniors, dogs feel lethargy and age-related diseases such as urinary tract issues and arthritis. 

Changes in behavior

Canine cognitive dysfunction

With your dog's age, you may notice a change in your pet interaction with humans and other dogs. This change is called CCD or canine cognitive dysfunction. If your dog was super social and friendly, but now he shows cranky, irritable, or aggressive behavior, it is a CCD sign. In this disorder, dogs forget the things that they have learned and love.

Abnormality in sleeping pattern

If a dog suddenly shows an abnormality in its sleeping routine, then he might have CCD. Dogs with age often have a disturbed sleep cycle. You can see your furry friend sleeping all day and wandering at night. No, doubt it is a heartbreaking situation for you to see your pet in this condition.

Urinating outside the bathroom:

It is a common and most disliked behavioral changes that can be seen in the dog getting older. Sadly, the most common signs of CCD is a regression in house training. A dog who has been using the bathroom typically starts to create a mess in the house. It does not mean that your pet doesn't care about using the bathroom in the right place anymore. He may lose control of his urinary tract.

Loss of spark

Older dogs who are experiencing CCD often lose that spark of interest they once had. They may not be interested in searching anymore, and their overall exercise level will likely drop.

Anxiety:

CCD may also make older dogs more likely to anxiety. Ensure that your dog is getting both the physical and mental exercise he needs every single day.