Yesterday your new best friend was a tiny ball of fur; now, he’s growing so fast that you “paws” frequently to notice just how much he’s developed. As you make memories together, taking time each week to chart your pup’s growth will bring the two of you closer together and create a memento too!
You can both make this just another part of playtime! Belly rubs, tickling, and giggling all turn charting growth into growing a friendship. Your little guy will love seeing how big and strong he’s getting while the bond between you two grows just as big and strong.
Want a keepsake? Look for a special puppy book, such as Doggy Days to jot down all your growth “tails.” Here’s the fun part—now it’s time to measure, and your pup will adore the attention, and you can even draw your puppy to show how he’s grown!
- Paw Prints: Measure the width of a paw, or for fun, use non-toxic paint to document how those paws grow larger and larger each week!
- Tall Tails: Record the length of his tail, from the tip of his tail to just behind the hip bones.
- Bottoms Up: From the very bottom of his front paws to the center of his back, measure for height.
- Weigh In: Record your pup’s weight—here’s where you’ll both notice the most change.
Tracking your pup’s growth is not only a great addition to playtime, it also helps you monitor your pup’s health. “This is especially important in large and giant breed dogs,” Kerstetter says. Plus, you’ll have a handy chart readily available for veterinarian visits.
You’ll be amazed at how much and how fast your new best friend has grown in nine to 12 months. And by giggling your way through the growth process, you’ll have so much fun sharing time with each other along the journey!
