Your little pup is now 6 months old – how time flies! You may be wondering what activities are good for a six month old dog. The answer is that there are so many things your young one can do. At this stage, your dog is still considered a puppy and they are likely full of energy. They are also probably very comfortable around you and starting to get adjusted into their home. While your puppy may be sleeping one minute and sprinting around the next, you should find productive ways to keep them busy and learning in between these puppy energy bursts.
1️⃣ Trick a Week
Difficulty: Easy
Items Needed: Treats
You probably know that your puppy needs physical activities in their daily routine. But have you considered mental stimulation? While exercise is important, puppies also need to exercise their minds. Their young and fresh brains are perfect for learning new tricks and behaviors. Plus, they likely haven’t developed any bad habits yet. Teaching your six-month-old puppy a new trick or behavior each week is a great way to establish good habits and have fun together. So, get your box of treats ready and let’s start teaching!
Step 1: Make a list of tricks and behaviors you want to teach your dog. Start with easier tricks and progress to more difficult ones, such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stop barking at the door”. Write down your goals and prioritize them.
Step 2: Treat and train your six-month-old puppy by using their favorite treats. Show them the trick or behavior along with a verbal command. Reward them with treats when they successfully perform the desired action.
Step 3: Practice the new trick with your dog daily, or even multiple times a day. Make teaching and rewarding your dog a part of your daily routine. Once your dog has mastered one skill, continue practicing and reinforcing it while you introduce new tricks. Consistency and regular practice are crucial in teaching your puppy any behavior or trick.
2️⃣ Grooming Fun
Difficulty: Normal
Items Needed: Nail Clippers, Brush, Bath, Towel
Everyone wants a nice, clean dog. But as dogs get older, they may resist getting bathed or having their nails trimmed. It’s best to expose your young dog to grooming early on to prevent unnecessary fear. Instead of taking your 6-month-old pup to a professional groomer, consider trying it at home. It’s a more affordable way to keep your dog clean, especially since puppies can get messy quickly and need frequent baths.
Step 1: Begin by setting up the tub. Gather some pet-friendly soap from your vet or local pet store and find a big tub to bathe your six-month-old puppy in. It’s important to make sure the soap is safe for dogs. You can use the bathtub at home or opt for an outdoor option like a large plastic container that your puppy can fit in.
Step 2: Scrub a dub dub! Wash your puppy from head to toe and shower them with love and praise during the bath. This will help them associate baths with positive experiences. Once the bath is done, carefully take your pup out of the tub and dry them off with a towel. Be cautious of the wet dog shake, as they are likely to spray water everywhere. Dry them quickly before they get a chance to shake.
Step 3: It’s pamper time! After the bath, you can try trimming your dog’s nails (make sure to read about it beforehand to avoid cutting the ‘quick’ and causing bleeding) or give them a good brushing. If your six-month-old puppy needs a haircut, you can also try that. The goal is to get them comfortable and excited about grooming.
3️⃣ Walking Right
Difficulty: Easy
Items Needed: Harness, Collar, Leash
Although you may have taken your dog for many walks already, it’s important to continue practicing proper leash walking with your puppy. Consistent daily training is necessary for your puppy to learn how to behave on the leash. By the time they reach six months, your dog is almost fully grown and for larger breeds, this means they may be strong enough to pull the leash and control the walk. It’s beneficial to work on leash skills during this time before bad habits become ingrained.
Step 1: Proper fit
Make sure your dog has a well-fitting collar or harness. It should not be too tight or too loose. You should be able to easily fit two fingers under your dog’s collar without causing discomfort. Your leash should also be of good quality and sturdy, so it won’t tear or rip if pulled.
Step 2: Walk correctly
Take your dog for a walk and bring some treats along. The proper way to walk a dog is to have them on your left side, walking in step with you. They should not be pulling ahead or crossing in front of you. Keep your dog in this position by holding the leash short and keeping treats at their level.
Step 3: Walk again
Once your dog is walking in pace with you and staying by your side, loosen the leash slightly. Your dog should maintain your tempo. If they try to pull ahead, gently pull the leash back and bring them back by your side. With practice, your dog will learn that this is how you walk and will stay by your side. Even a six-month-old puppy can learn this quickly!
A six-month-old puppy is like a sponge when it comes to learning. They absorb everything eagerly and with a smile on their face! This is the perfect age to teach your dog good habits and establish a daily routine. Putting in the extra effort now will pay off in the future when you have a well-behaved older dog. You will be grateful that you invested in training your puppy when they were young!
