What age is a Lab no longer a puppy

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated January 15, 2025

Contributions sourced from

At what age is a Labrador no longer a puppy?

Most Labrador Retrievers are considered fully grown somewhere from 11 to 18 months. There is quite a lot of room for variation in this timeframe, so dont expect all Labs to mature at the same time.

When should I move my puppy to dog food?

Puppies should get solid food starting at about four weeks, when theyre not able to get all the calories they need from their mothers milk. Most puppies are weaned by six weeks.

Does neutering a Lab calm him down?

If your dogs hyperactive behaviour is also down to hormones, then neutering should help. A lot of owners find their dog chills out more after being neutered whether theyre male or female. While neutering your dog might help to calm them down a bit, sometimes thats not the only cause of a dog being a bit much.

Why are Labradors so hyper?

The biggest reason you might see hyperactive behavior in your Labrador is due to a lack of adequate physical activity and exercise. Labs are a high-energy breed of dog that need a lot of daily activity to meet their physical demands.

How long should a puppy stay on puppy food?

Small breeds can make the switch at 7 to 9 months; bigger breeds at 12, 13, even 14 months. Err on the side of caution: Better to be on puppy food a little too long than not long enough. After age 1: Most owners feed adult dogs two half-portions a day.

What happens if a puppy eats adult dog food?

While puppy food is good for puppies, you shouldnt keep feeding it to your dog once hes fully grown, since puppy foods have a lot of calories and fat. If you do, he could become overweight because his body isnt using up as many nutrients as a young, hyper puppy.

Whats the difference between puppy food and dog food?

The difference between puppy and adult food Since your puppy is growing, he needs more nutrients and calories than an adult dog. This is why puppy foods have a higher level of protein and fat to support growth, as well as nutrients like DHA, an omega fatty acid found in mothers milk.

What Color Labs are the smartest?

For example, black labs are highly regarded as a working dog, so as a result, are generally thought of as being the most intelligent and quick learners.

How do you discipline a Lab puppy?

To discipline a Labrador use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior, such as giving treats or toys. Negative reinforcement can also be used, such as withdrawing the reward for bad behavior. We aim to increase the frequency of response in both methods. Discipline is not a negative thing.

Are Labs loyal to one person?

Anyone who owns a Labrador, knows that their Labrador loves them. One of the great things about Labs, is this love is rarely directed just at one person. They have so much love, that they share it with your family, friends and anyone else they happen to meet too.

What can I give my Lab to calm him down?

Adding more exercise into your dogs daily routine should be your first step in addressing their extra energy and the easiest way to do that is by taking long, vigorous walks, every day. This should guarantee that your pup expends their energy on their walk, rather than in your home.

When should my puppy go from 3 meals to 2?

When should I switch my puppy to two meals a day? The best time to switch your puppy from three to two meals a day is when they are between six and 12 months old. Keep in mind that most toy and small breed dogs can make the switch to two meals a day when they are between seven and nine months old.

Can a 1 year old dog eat puppy food?

Its not that puppy kibble lacks something an older dog needs just the opposite. Formulated to fuel a growing animal, these high-octane chows simply contain too many calories for dogs who have reached their full size.

Is puppy food really necessary?

Puppy food is formulated to give puppies everything they need to grow into healthy, happy adult dogs. While a regular diet of puppy food is essential, the occasional dish of adult dog food wont be detrimental to their health.

Is there a dog food for both puppies and adults?

Short answer yes, but they probably shouldnt. Puppy foods are specifically designed to accommodate growth. Once your dog has reached adulthood, the only way a puppy food will help them grow is out.

Can puppies have peanut butter?

Yes, dogs can eat peanut butter as long as it is fed in moderation and does not contain xylitol, so get out that pet-safe peanut butter jar and share the good news.

How long is a puppy a puppy?

How Long Do Puppies Grow? Although all puppies are officially considered adult dogs once they reach one year old, puppies continue to grow in height and size while their bones are still developing, which takes anywhere from 6 to 24 months. Their skeletal growth is what determines how tall they will become as adults.

What is the rarest color of Lab?

Silver Labrador Silver Labradors are by far the rarest of all colors. These dogs are a light gray to blue color that looks silver in the sunlight. These Labradors are often mistaken for Weimaraner mixes because of their silver coat.

What color Lab has the best temperament?

Because they are the dominant color, black Labs are easier to find and breed. This may result in many of the positive breed traits being bred for and passed down, such as mellow temperament, intelligence, and excellent field retrieval performance.

What color Lab is easiest to train?

The most common Lab colors are black, yellow, and chocolate. All colors of Labradors are easy to train, but chocolate Labradors do have a reputation for being more disobedient than their yellow or black cousins. However, there is much debate among breeders and Lab owners about this reputation.

Why do Lab puppies bite so much?

Puppies do bite because they are teething, but they also bite in play. And biting tends to start in earnest once the puppy has settled into their new home, so around 9 weeks old. With some exceptions, puppy biting will stop by the time your puppy has his full set of grown up teeth at 7 months.

How do I stop my lab puppy from jumping and biting?

To prevent your labrador from jumping up put hand on the dogs head, hold still and turn away. Dont say a word. A labrador will respond to this gesture reasonably quickly with training repetitions. As with any training technique, do not introduce any verbal commands until the correct behavior has been demonstrated.

Are Labradors difficult to train?

Labradors are intelligent, easy to please and quick learners meaning they are highly trainable. Once theyve mastered the basics, Labradors will love to keep learning new tricks to keep their mind active and alert.

What Labs love most?

#1 Eating. While almost all dogs like food (its why positive reinforcement training works well), Labradors are definitely foodies.
#2 Swimming.
#3 Social Outings.

Will a Lab protect its owner?

In fact some evidence, such as this Dutch study, indicates that Labradors are more likely to be protective of their home or territory than their owner. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Excessive protection of their owner is one of the most common behavior problems reported by dog owners.

When is a dog no longer a puppy? 6 signs your dogs full-grown

When is a dog no longer a puppy? Use six key indicators: age, attention span, size, teeth, sleeping patterns, and behavior.

Getting a new puppy is one of the most exciting events that dog lovers experience, but its not without its challenges.

Late nights, potty accidents, and damaged shoes are typical with a new little one. On the other hand, so are the snuggles, too-big paws, and playtimes.

A dogs lifespan is divided into three phases: puppy, adult, and senior. Puppies have specific needs, including a special diet and extra blankets, and most furry babies wont have the attention span for training until at least eight weeks old.

So when is a dog no longer a puppy and thus can be considered fully grown?

Its important to note this transition because youll want to change your dogs diet and routine.

Here are six key indicators that your puppy is growing up, as hard as it can be to admit.

Age

Newborn puppies depend entirely on their moms; their eyes are shut, their movements are limited, and their bodies can only tolerate their mothers milk.

They are so small that they cant even regulate their body heat, so puppies stick close to their litter and mom.

In most cases, pet owners can take their new puppy home when its eight weeks of age.

At eight weeks, puppies should have completed the weaning process and can tolerate softened puppy kibble.

Between eight-to-twelve weeks, no matter its breed, your new puppy will still be small and clumsy, requiring extra support and supervision.

So when does a puppy become a dog?

Your pup will continue to grow and develop, and most small and medium breeds are considered fully grown at 12 months.

However, some large andgiant breeds (those weighing 50 pounds or more) arent fully developed until two years old.

Diet

Between eight-to-twelve weeks, no matter its breed, your new puppy will still be small and clumsy, requiring extra support and supervision.

You should feedyour puppy several meals a day at eight weeks old, and you may wonder when puppies can start eating hard food.

While you can add solid food at eight weeks, not all dog foods are created equal.

Puppy food has extra calories and supplemental vitamins and minerals your fuzzy pal needs to grow.

For the first few months, puppies will need four puppy-sized meals a day be sure to stick to regular times so your puppy gets used to a reliable feeding schedule.

Around three months old, you can begin reducing your pups meals to three times a day.

Monitor your puppys food intake to make sure they handle the switch to eating solid foods and adjust accordingly over the next few months.

Most dogs are spayed or neutered between six and nine months; this procedure will slow your puppys metabolism, and you can probably switch to two meals a day.

You can also begin introducing adult dog food around this age, but theres no rush. Large breeds take longer to develop physically, so you can stick to the puppy food until your little one is at least a year old.

Energy

Puppies need a lot of sleep many snooze up to 20 hours daily. Their bodies are growing, and the process demands a lot of rest.

However, when puppies are awake, theyll be extra playful. Expect many rounds of zoomies. Puppies are curious and will test their boundaries.

This phase doesnt last forever, so give them plenty of playtime and attention when needed; you can also begin introducing some essential boundaries and simple commands.

Small breeds will calm down around six months of age, while larger breeds will likely continue to act out until they reach at least a year.

Spaying or neutering your puppy will also help level off its energy levels. As your puppy matures, usually around one year, it should noticeably calm down (though larger breeds may extend this phase to two years of age).

Behavior

Youll observe some behavioral changes as your puppy becomes an adult or reaches maturity.

Young puppies (those aged three weeks to three months) need plenty of socialization with people and other dogs.

Puppies are getting used to the world around them, and it can be scary, so its natural for them to approach new situations cautiously.

Introduce your puppy to different sounds and experiences (like driving in the car, having its nails cut, and visiting the veterinarian).

Puppies must get used to these situations at a young age. Otherwise, they could grow into overly anxious or fearful adult dogs.

When practicing a new experience, stay calm and bring extra treats. Your puppy will respond accordingly and remember it as a positive experience.

Different-sized breeds will enter their teenage years at different times.

Small dogs usually begin producing hormones around six months, and larger dogs are closer to ten months.

There are some signs your puppy has grown into a young dog; it will still be playful but may push boundaries.

Teenage dogs can be destructive and wont want to listen to you. Approach these changes with patience and hold consistent expectations.

Teething

Puppies need lots of rest to grow and develop up to 20 hours daily. When theyre awake, get ready for some lively playtime. Be sure to set boundaries so your pup can learn and explore safely.

When your puppy begins teething, its a clear sign that its growing up.

Puppies begin growing their adult teeth around four months of age though it does vary based on the breed. Youll notice that some of your puppys baby teeth will begin falling out (much like a human childs teeth).

Growing new teeth is uncomfortable.

Your puppy will begin chewing on everything to help ease discomfort in its gums. So, be sure to hide any belongings you dont want to be ruined.

Have plenty of toys accessible throughout the house. Young dogs should stop teething around six months of age.

Potty training

New puppies dont have complete control over their little fuzzy bodies yet and may have accidents in the house.

Its frustrating, but you dont want to punish your furry friend for something it cant control. You can begin house training immediately, though. Maintain a routine with plenty of opportunities to go outside.

Offer praise or treats when your puppy potties outside of the house.

Around twelve weeks old, your pup should have better use of its bodily functions, and itll have an understanding of its daily routine. By six months old, puppies should be fully house-trained.