Photo: Property of Just Dogs with Sherri
You’ve gotten through the “toughest” years with your dog. We keep the hope that as our dogs mature into true adulthood; that life is just going to be wonderful with them. Typically the next years will be the fruits of your labor. You’ve survived the piranha stage, obtained patience that you never knew you posessed, held hope when it seemed to be fading; you did it, you got through the rough years.
Between the age of approximately 3 and 6 or 8 are the glory days. Years 3, 5 and 8 seem to be big turning points in a dog’s life. Those marker years bring with them a more symbiotic relationship for the two of you. The early years are now just a fleeting memory that you look back on and find it hard to believe. That dog in front of you is the best boy or girl ever. You have learned about the dog that you live with and you have taught them about our human world. Everything is wonderful.
These are the years to do everything physical that you’ve ever wanted to do with your dog. They are young enough to enjoy with enthusiasm and old enough to know better now. Our dog’s days with us are fleeting. After learning about each other and coming together as a match made in heaven you are seeing what the whole k9/human connection is all about.
Perhaps this is your first dog and you are now realizing what all the fuss is about. You never got it until you added a dog to your life. But even in the early years you still didn’t quite “get it.” But now you know, you have arrived at your destination my friend. And this place with a dog by your side is a magical one. There really is nothing like the relationship of a dog. Especially when you’ve been through the tough stuff and made it to the “good years.”
Of course, all dogs being different have a different life expectancy. Some are classed as seniors at the early age of 6 years; while others won’t really be a senior until around 10 or 12. Size plays a huge factor in aging as a dog. So between the ages of 3 - around 6 to 8 are middle aged for a dog. They aren’t slowing down yet and have lots of get up and go in them.
Middle aged dogs are still very capable of learning; they can learn throughout their whole life, just like we can. So don’t stop teaching and don’t stop learning. There is much to come.
Next blog - golden years. Having an old dog is a blessing but sadly many don’t get to enjoy these years with their dog taken too soon. Enjoy every second and stage that you are at with your canine. There is much more to talk about in the next blog.