The Ranking Period

The next stage of puppy growth is the 5 to 8 month stage.  This stage is called the ranking period.  This stage the puppy will show even more willfulness and independent which will make them more bratty and will test your patience. At this point the dog might start to establish dominance in the family and try to figure out where he/she ranks in the family.  At this point you need to acquire a lot of patience.  Its best to correct the pup anytime she or he disobeys or do anything that they aren’t supposed to.  This is a great time to take your pup to new places.  They should be at the end of their booster shots and their immune system should be close to fully developed.  However, I would still take precautions when going to a place where unvaccinated animals might be.  When you take you pup to different new places it is always a good idea to keep them on a lease, but it is especially a good idea to keep them on a leash during this stage.  Again, the puppy is testing everything during this stage, so the safest option is to always keep them on a leash.  When I took my pup to new places, she would be too excited to see the new sights and to smell the new smells that she would completely forget her training.  Do not give up though, the best thing to do if your dog starts to act up like this, is to take them to new places often.  Each time you go, work on the same thing over and over again.  Then, after a while, your pup will soon learn to listen to you rather than chase after things.  Furthermore, your dog will also become accustomed to the new smells and things and will calm down over time.  In my opinion its best to take your pup to different stores that allows animals like rural king, tractor supply, pet smart and more.  There you can work with your dog one on one in an isle but have different distractions.  If you are struggling with discipline and obedience training, you can always take an obedience class.  They are usually offered in most pet smarts and you can usually find a local group that could help as well.