Puppy development

Consolidation: what to expect

In consolidation the frantic edge of early adolescence softens. Physical growth is largely done or close for many dogs, while social and behavioural maturity keeps developing. Focus and impulse control return — but not in a straight line. The work is proofing behaviours in new places and teaching a genuine settle.

When does this happen?

Toy · Small	Weeks 37–52
Medium	Weeks 45–65
Large	Weeks 53–78

Bigger dogs stay adolescent longer — larger breeds reach each later stage weeks after smaller ones.

Not sure this is your puppy’s exact stage? Check the Puppy Stage Finder. Want to know what to reinforce at this stage? See the full training timeline.

Common questions

When do dogs calm down after adolescence?

The frantic edge usually starts softening during consolidation — often the second half of the first year for medium breeds, later for large ones — in good weeks and bad, not a straight line. Full behavioural maturity keeps developing into the second year.

When do a dog’s growth plates close?

For many medium breeds growth plates are substantially closed by around a year, later for large and giant breeds — but timing varies by individual, and only a vet can confirm it on an x-ray if it ever matters clinically.

Grounded in established canine behavioural science — see our sources.