Introduction
5-months age is marked by the beginning of “transitional period” for a puppy: though playful and cute, a small creature begins to show first traits of stubbornness, filwulness and rebellious character. During this time a dog owner should pay attention to moderate training and puppy’s socialization among other dogs and people.
Size
5-months Labrador retriever is already a big and large dog by its size: its average weight is 21-22 kilos and its height at the shoulder is approximately 48-51 cm.
Training
Take 3-4 walks a day and do not overstrain a puppy with active games. It is still too young to undergo some special training which starts from 1 year, as a rule. You just can proceed with slightly breaking of the habit of relieving a puppy at home and praise your puppy for doing it outdoors.
Another important thing is to proceed teaching a puppy a command “stop that!”, “don’t do that!” when it is going to do something unpleasant. Also, you should consolidate other basic commands like “sit!”, “heel!”, etc.
Proceed to socialize your puppy among other adult dogs, but, keep in mind, that other dogs can occasionally show some aggression towards your puppy since it’s too curious and tiresome at this age.
Healthcare
Your 5-months Labrador puppy was vaccinated in 2.5 months for the first time with revaccination in 3 months. The next immunization is planned when your puppy will be 6 months’ old. So, at this point, you should carefully check your puppy’s health: protect it against ticks and fleas, examine for possible allergic reactions, etc. Besides, you can already treat your puppy against worms before the next immunization.
Feeding
Now you can feed your puppy less frequent, 3 times a day, at that, one meal should be a between-meal snack. For example, you can feed your puppy like that:
- 8 a.m. (after the first walk): meat porridge with vegetables (400-500 gr);
- 12 a.m. (after the second short walk): a between-meal snack like curds with yoghurt (500 gr);
- 6 p.m. (after the third long walk): meat porridge with vegetables (500-600 gr).
Feeding your puppy with fresh food, keep in mind, that a puppy of this age needs about 60% of meat meal, 30% of cereals and 10% of dairy products and vegetables.
Conclusion
5 months is the age during which a dog owner should be very responsible towards a puppy since its health, immune system, as well as behavior traits, are beginning to form. Take care of your Labrador puppy since its puppyhood to make your dog sound and healthy.
