Pet supplies for every life stage

Puppies typically join their new families at just a few weeks old. During this time, they are in the socialization phase. At first, they are very curious, then cautious, and sometimes even fearful. As they grow older, they begin testing boundaries more.

Around four months, they undergo teething, and between six and twelve months, puberty starts with sexual maturity – two milestones that will likely test your patience. With our tips for puppy training, you can face these stages with a bit more ease.

To ensure your puppy feels comfortable from the start, they need loving care, exercise, and stimulation. Sturdy dog toys, chew bones for puppies, and cozy cushions are just as essential for puppies as grooming and dental care accessories.

Training aids, training materials, or dog leashes especially make life easier for you. After all, early practice pays off: puppies need consistent, yet loving training and plenty of human contact. Fortunately, small dogs are extremely curious, which makes training easier.

Some of the most important lessons in puppy training include:

• Settling into the new home
• House training and leash walking
• Teaching boundaries
• Teaching bite inhibition
• Recall and stay
• Learning to be alone temporarily

One of the biggest challenges with adult dogs is transitioning from puppy food to adult food. However, with a few simple guidelines for food transitions and tips for calculating the right food portion, this task can be completed easily.

What makes good food for adult dogs:

• Meat or fish are the first ingredients listed.
• Artificial colors and preservatives are absent from the ingredient list.
• For dry food, the kibble size and shape match your dog’s needs.
• The food is tasty to your dog.

Neutered dogs often require a special diet, as their energy needs decrease while their appetite increases. Transitioning to the new food before the procedure will help reduce stress for both you and your dog later on.

Just like us humans, dogs never stop learning. You've already done important groundwork with puppy training – now it's time to continue adhering to the established rules and offer your dog stimulation and variety.

Have you adopted an adult dog? Even grown-up dogs can still learn to stay alone or walk on a leash. Training is often easier than with puppies. If undesirable behaviors are ingrained, you can tackle this challenge with patience and our tips for training adult dogs.

Once your dog has reached its breed-specific withers height and full weight, its physical development is complete and its skeletal structure is solidified. The perfect time to try out different dog sports and activities.

Whether jogging in the park or agility training in an obstacle course – shared exercise keeps both dog and owner fit.

Support your dog's health and vitality even in advanced age – with a diet tailored to its needs.

Ideally, senior dog food should be:

• nutrient-rich
• low in calories
• easily digestible
• high-quality

When your dog starts to get gray hairs and becomes more relaxed, it has reached retirement age.

Exactly when your furry friend is considered a senior depends on the breed – as small dog breeds often have a higher life expectancy than large breeds. One indicator of a dog's age is its teeth.

With senior-appropriate accessories, plenty of patience, and understanding, you can make everyday life easier for your dog during this phase.

5 signs that your dog is aging:

• gray, shaggy, or dull coat and hair loss
• loss of appetite and weight loss
• joint and bone problems as a result of bone loss or arthritis
• reduced hearing, vision, and sense of smell
• increased urination due to bladder weakness

If older dogs occasionally fail to follow commands, impaired hearing may be the cause. However, if failures occur more frequently, it could indicate dementia.

Symptoms appear in about 30 to 60 percent of dogs older than seven years. Plan an Alzheimer's therapy with your veterinarian as soon as possible after symptoms appear. Dietary measures, medication, and mental stimulation can slow the disease.