Building the Perfect Family Companion: Months 7-8 and Beyond

As your puppy approaches the 7-8 month mark, you’ve survived the early training days, teething, and perhaps the beginning of adolescence. Now you’re entering an exciting period where your growing dog begins to show glimpses of the adult companion they will become. This stage offers unique opportunities to solidify training, deepen your bond, and set the stage for a lifetime of companionship.

While your dog is still maturing both physically and mentally, these months represent a crucial transition period. The foundation you’ve built will now be strengthened and expanded upon, ensuring your puppy develops into a well-adjusted adult dog who’s a joy to live with. Let’s explore how to make the most of this important developmental stage.

Advanced Training Opportunities

By months 7-8, your puppy has likely mastered basic commands and is ready for more complex learning. This is the perfect time to expand their training repertoire.

Beyond Basic Commands

Intermediate Skills to Introduce

Leave it with distance: Ignoring items even when you’re not close by
Place/Go to mat: Sending your dog to a designated spot and staying there
Heel: Walking politely beside you without constant treats
Middle: Coming to position between your legs (useful in crowded areas)
Emergency down: Dropping instantly on cue from any position
Recall with distractions: Coming when called despite enticing alternatives

Chaining Commands

Teach your dog to respond to a sequence of commands
Start with two familiar behaviors (sit → down)
Gradually increase to more complex chains
Practice in different orders to ensure understanding

Duration, Distance, and Distraction For each known behavior, systematically increase:

Duration: How long your dog holds the behavior
Distance: How far away you can be while they maintain the behavior
Distraction: The level of environmental challenge they can handle while performing

Real-World Applications

Training isn’t just about obedience—it’s about creating a dog who can navigate the human world comfortably.

Public Outings

Practice calm greetings with strangers
Visit pet-friendly stores with specific behavior expectations
Teach settling at outdoor cafés or restaurants
Navigate different surfaces and environments

Household Manners

Reinforce boundaries around furniture (if desired)
Establish protocols for visitors entering the home
Practice leaving food or items on coffee tables unattended
Strengthen door manners (not rushing through, waiting for permission)

Problem-Solving Skills

Teaching your dog to think and solve problems builds confidence and mental flexibility:

Puzzle toys of increasing difficulty
Scent work challenges
Name recognition for multiple toys/items
Simple obstacle courses with decision points
“Find it” games with hidden objects

Solidifying Good Behaviors

As your puppy matures, it’s time to move from constant management to reliable behavior.

Proofing Reliable Responses

The Proofing Process

Begin in a low-distraction environment with known behaviors
Add one element of challenge (duration, distance, or distraction)
Practice until reliable at that level
Incrementally increase the challenge
If mistakes occur, reduce the difficulty and build back up

Real-Life Proofing Scenarios

Holding a stay while another dog walks by
Coming when called away from interesting scents
Walking politely past outdoor dining areas
Greeting visitors calmly without jumping
Settling while you eat dinner

Fading Rewards Appropriately

By now, your dog shouldn’t need a treat for every sit, but rewards remain important:

Variable Reward Schedules

Transition from rewarding every correct response to intermittent rewards
Vary the value of rewards (sometimes jackpot, sometimes praise only)
Keep rewards unpredictable to strengthen behaviors
Continue to reward heavily for challenging situations or particularly good responses

Life Rewards

Use daily privileges as rewards (going outside, dinner time, play)
Require a moment of impulse control before valued activities
“Say please” by sitting: Before doors open, meals, leash attachment, play

Managing Adolescent Challenges

Many dogs are still working through adolescence at this age:

Consistency Through Testing Phases

Maintain clear rules even when they’re tested
Avoid the temptation to relax standards as your dog appears more mature
Remember that regression is normal and temporary
Return to basics if reliability decreases

Positive Reinforcement During Difficult Periods

Focus on catching and rewarding good choices
Avoid punishment which can damage your relationship during this sensitive period
Increase environmental management during challenging phases
Keep training sessions upbeat and successful

Transitioning to Adult Food

Between 7-12 months (depending on breed size), your puppy will be ready to transition to adult food.

Timing the Transition

Small breeds: 7-9 months Medium breeds: 9-12 months Large breeds: 12-15 months Giant breeds: 18-24 months

Signs your puppy is ready:

Growth rate has significantly slowed
Has reached approximately 80-90% of adult size
Physical maturity indicators appropriate for breed
Your veterinarian confirms appropriate timing

Making a Smooth Change

Choose an appropriate adult formula (considering activity level, breed, and any special needs)
Transition gradually over 7-10 days:
- Days 1-2: 75% puppy food, 25% adult food
- Days 3-4: 50% puppy food, 50% adult food
- Days 5-7: 25% puppy food, 75% adult food
- Days 8-10: 100% adult food
Monitor stool quality during the transition
Adjust portions based on adult metabolic needs

Feeding Considerations for Young Adult Dogs

Establish regular feeding times (typically twice daily)
Measure portions precisely to prevent weight gain as metabolism changes
Adjust based on activity level and body condition
Evaluate treats and chews as part of total daily intake
Consider working meals (puzzle toys, training sessions) for mental stimulation

Long-term Socialization and Enrichment

Socialization isn’t just for young puppies—it’s a lifelong process that continues to shape your dog’s behavior and comfort in the world.

Continued Exposure to New Experiences

Ongoing Social Experiences

Regular positive interactions with various types of people
Supervised experiences with appropriate dog playmates
Exposure to different handling (groomer, vet staff, friends)
Practice with various human behaviors (people on bikes, joggers, etc.)

Environmental Diversity

Visit different neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas
Experience various surfaces and terrain
Encounter different sounds and sights
Practice in different weather conditions (appropriate to your climate)

Creating Enrichment Routines

Establishing regular enrichment activities prevents boredom and associated behavior problems:

Daily Enrichment Checklist

Physical exercise: Appropriate to age, breed, and individual needs
Mental stimulation: Problem-solving, training, or scent activities
Social interaction: Quality time with human family members
Sensory experiences: Different textures, sounds, or environments
Choice opportunities: Allowing some agency and decision-making

Enrichment Ideas by Category

Food-based enrichment:

Snuffle mats
Stuffed Kongs or similar toys
Puzzle feeders of increasing difficulty
Scent games with hidden treats
Training sessions using meal portions

Physical enrichment:

Structured walks in new environments
Appropriate play with other dogs
Flirt pole play (with rules)
Swimming (for water-loving dogs)
Gentle tug games with clear boundaries

Cognitive enrichment:

New trick training
Scent discrimination games
Object identification
Simple agility or obstacle courses
Hide and seek games with family members

Setting Up for Lifelong Success

The choices you make during this transitional period have lasting impacts on your dog’s adult behavior and quality of life.

Establishing Healthy Routines

Exercise Patterns

Develop a sustainable exercise schedule you can maintain long-term
Balance structured exercise (walks, play) with free exploration time
Build in appropriate rest days
Consider your dog’s individual energy needs and adjust accordingly

Sleep and Rest

Ensure adequate quiet time (12-14 hours daily for adolescent dogs)
Create a designated, comfortable sleeping space
Respect rest needs even as your dog matures
Teach a “settle” cue for calm relaxation

Social Boundaries

Define consistent rules for furniture access
Establish greeting protocols for visitors
Create clear expectations for behavior around food and resources
Maintain appropriate boundaries with other household pets

Addressing Emerging Behavior Patterns

The 7-8 month period often reveals behavior tendencies that will persist into adulthood. Identify and address these proactively:

Resource Guarding

Implement trading games if mild guarding appears
Create positive associations with approach to valued items
Teach a reliable “drop it” and “leave it”
Seek professional help for significant guarding behaviors

Reactivity Tendencies

Create distance from triggers and work gradually on positive associations
Teach focus and engagement cues for challenging situations
Prioritize appropriate socialization with controlled exposure
Consider professional guidance at first signs of reactivity

Anxiety Behaviors

Build independence through gradual alone time
Create positive associations with separation
Establish predictable routines
Address early signs rather than waiting for escalation

Building Communication Skills

As your dog matures, refine the communication system between you:

Reading Your Dog’s Signals

Learn their subtle stress indicators
Recognize excitement vs. anxiety
Respect communication about comfort levels
Honor appropriate requests for space or breaks

Clear Human Communication

Consistent verbal cues
Readable body language
Predictable consequences (both positive and negative)
Clear boundaries with fair enforcement

Preparing for the Teen Years and Beyond

While you’re seeing improvement at 7-8 months, most dogs continue maturing mentally for 2-3 years.

What to Expect in Coming Months

The 10-14 Month Challenge

Often brings a second testing phase
May include increased independence
Can feature temporary regression in training
Frequently involves changing social dynamics with other dogs

Physical Changes Continuing

Muscle development
Coat texture changes
Growth plate closure (varies by breed size)
Metabolism adjustments

Preparing for Adult Challenges

Health Monitoring

Transition to adult veterinary schedule
Watch weight as growth slows
Monitor changes in exercise tolerance
Address any emerging breed-specific concerns

Training Maintenance

Schedule regular “refresher” sessions
Gradually increase real-world expectations
Prepare for advanced training opportunities
Consider appropriate dog sports or activities

Celebration: Recognizing Your Progress

As you work through these important months, take time to celebrate how far you’ve come together.

Measuring Success

Success isn’t defined by perfection but by progress:

Compare current behavior to three months ago
Identify specific skills that have improved
Recognize relationship milestones
Celebrate increased reliability in real-world situations

Documenting Growth

Create tangible reminders of your journey:

Keep a training journal noting breakthroughs
Take regular photos showing physical development
Video progress in challenging environments
Note compliments from trainers, visitors, or fellow dog owners

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

The 7-8 month period marks not an endpoint but a transition in your relationship with your maturing dog. The puppy days are gradually giving way to a more mature partnership, but your dog still needs your guidance, consistency, and leadership.

By focusing on advanced training, solidifying reliable behaviors, making appropriate nutritional transitions, and continuing socialization and enrichment, you’re setting the stage for the wonderful adult dog your puppy is becoming.

Remember that development isn’t linear—there will be steps forward and occasional steps back. What matters most is the consistent, positive relationship you’re building. The investment you make during these crucial transitional months will shape your life together for years to come, creating the family companion you’ve been working toward since those early puppy days.