Adding a Silky Terrier to your life? Knowing about your puppy development and what to expect for the first year of their life might cut down on a lot of frustration. How your Silky Terrier pup thinks and acts is probably going to make you grind your teeth on occasion. But it will also bring a smile to your face.
Raising a Silky Terrier that first year is really similar to raising an infant through their first year. Except the pet will end as a teenager at the end of the year.
When you first get a puppy they eat, play, drink and eliminate. Just as babies cry to signal their needs, puppies will bite or get super hyper to let you know they need something as well. If it’s urgent, they’ll keep it up.
It’s important that you do not get angry or discipline to harshly your new puppy. This will undermine their trust in you and will also agitate your relationship. Silky’s are sensitive little terriers.
Five stages of puppy development you’ll see in your Silky Terrier are:
Infancy — Weeks 8 to 12
During this stage they are curious, playful and have really short attention spans. This is very normal for a healthy, active puppy. Yes, getting into everything and chewing is normal. They like to explore their surroundings — so make sure to pick your slippers up and not leave any food on the table. It will not be there when you return.
Start pre-training your puppy at this stage as well, but don’t except them to remember everything.
Terrible Two’s — Weeks 12 to 16
That’s right. You’ll be going through it with your puppy even though you might have already experienced it with your kids!
But your puppy is also starting to grow into their personality. Being more active and bolder than before.
At this phase they have a fully developed brain so you can start training.
Adolescents — Months 4 to 6
During this stage of the puppy development you might notice they want to avoid people, places or situations. Slowly introduce them to the new situation and allow them to take their time becoming familiar with things.
Puberty — Months 6 to 9
Just one word here…hormones. Your puppy is going through a lot right now. Just remember that when they seem to do something they are not supposed to. Plus they will probably have a total attitude. Sound familiar?
Teenager — Months 9 to 12
They are starting to calm down and act like young mature adults. Although sometimes they just have to push the rules a little, but not too far. You’ll notice they do not make a nuisance of themselves when guests arrive and come when you call them.
Living with your Silky Terrier is one of the greatest pleasures you’ll experience.