The Amazing Abilities of 18-week-old Puppies

Today, Bear is 18 weeks old (how can that be?), and he has been an essential part of our family for two months. Puppies grow so fast, and we definitely see such changes in Bear’s strength, confidence, stability, and speed of movement.

In the photos below, you can see some differences between Teddy and Bear at the same age. 

Teddy and Bear have very light coats, but subtle differences exist. In these photos, Teddy’s coat is almost white, and Bear’s coloration is more golden. In addition, Teddy’s nose is beginning to show some pink, whereas Bear’s nose remains black. 

A photo of Teddy at 18 weeks shows that his nose is beginning to turn pink.
A photo of Bear at 18 weeks shows his nose remains black.

All canines of 18 weeks old are developing some critical abilities that they will need as adults. Their bodies are becoming stronger, and they are not wobbly anymore. They are becoming more curious and playful and love spending time with their families. It is crucial to start preparing for your puppy now by setting rules and limits and teaching them basic commands. Puppies at this age are also beginning to learn how to get along with other dogs, so it’s important to start socialization training as soon as possible. Bear is lucky because he has Teddy and Summer to play with.

Teddy and mom
Bear and dad

18-week-old puppies are capable of a lot! They are starting to learn about the world around them and develop their personalities. As I said, it is essential to socialize with other dogs and humans so they grow into well-rounded adults. Make sure to prepare for plenty of energy and excitement, as these puppies are always on the go, and that is putting it mildly!

Some things you can do to help your puppy grow into a healthy dog if you have not already started include:

  • Starting them on a routine of potty breaks
  • Teaching them basic commands like sit and stay
  • Exposing them to different environments and people so they can become socialized
  • Providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Puppies get bored quickly and have a short attention span.
  • Feeding them a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. 

We started all five steps immediately, and Bear is progressing rapidly. Of course, his personality is different than Teddy’s or Summer’s, but the world is wonderful, and he is such a joyful little boy. All 18-week-old puppies are full of energy and life! They love to play and explore their surroundings. Their personalities are developing; some may be shy, while others will be more outgoing. They are all little love bugs.

I began trying to teach Teddy to read at 18 weeks. Unfortunately, that learning exercise ended abruptly with the explosion in our house, but I want to resume my efforts with Teddy, Summer, and Bear.

Thank you for reading! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the Comments Section below.

© 2019 I Don’t Know All The Answers, Nikki Mastro
All of my photographs and documents are Copyrighted.

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