Critical Puppy Stages

Some facts about critical periods in puppy development that you may not have been aware of, but should be in order to help them with training and socialization once you bring them home. I came across this info elsewhere years ago and had to share. This is a must read!

- Neonatal Period (0-12 Days):

The puppy responds only to warmth, touch, and smell. He cannot regulate body functions such as temperature and elimination. Puppies are still with their mother.

- Transition Period (13 - 20 Days):

Eyes and ears are open, but sight and hearing are limited. Tail wagging begins and the puppy begins to control body functions. Puppies are still with their mother.

- Awareness Period (21 - 28 Days):

Sight and hearing functions well. The puppy is learning that he is a dog and has a great deal of need for a stable environment. Puppies are still with their mother.

- Canine Socialization Period (21 - 49 Days):

Interacting with his mother and littermates, the pup learns various canine behaviors. He is now aware of the differences between canine and human societies. Puppies are still with their mother and almost ready to go to their homes. This period is critical for them, and a good breeder will not let you go home with a puppy yet.

- Human Socialization Period (7 to 12 Weeks):

The pup has the brain wave of an adult dog. The best time for going to a new home. He now has the ability to learn respect, simple behavioral responses: sit, stay, come. Housebreaking begins. He now learns by association. The permanent man/dog bonding begins, and he is able to accept gentle discipline and establish confidence.

- Fear Impact Period (8 - 11 Weeks):

Try to avoid frightening the puppy during this time, since traumatic experiences can have an effect during this period. As you can see, this period overlaps that of the previous definition and children or animals should not be allowed to hurt or scare the puppy (either maliciously or inadvertently). It is very important now to introduce other humans, but he must be closely supervised to minimize adverse conditioning, meaning you shouldn't overwhelm your puppy with introductions. Learning at this age is permanent. This is the stage where you wonder if your dog is going to be a wussy butt all his life. Also introducing your puppy to other dogs at this time will help him become more socialized. If available in your area, a good doggy day care is great for this. Look for a daycare that will gradually introduce the puppies in with the large dogs so they don't get overwhelmed and possibly become defensive or fearful.

- Seniority Classification Period (13 - 16 Weeks):

This critical period is also known as the "Age of Cutting" - cutting teeth and cutting apron strings. At this age, the puppy begins testing boundaries and leadership. Biting behavior is absolutely discouraged from thirteen weeks on. Praise for the correct behavior response is the most effective tool. Meaningful praise is highly important to shape positive attitude.

- Flight Instinct Period (4 to 8 Months):

During this period puppies test their wings - they will turn a deaf ear when called (also known as the angsty teenage phase). This period lasts from a few days to several weeks. It is critical to praise the positive and minimize the negative behavior during this time. However, you must learn how to achieve the correct response. This period corresponds to teething periods, and behavioral problems become compounded by physiological development chewing.

- Second Fear impact period (6 - 14 Months):

Also called, "The fear of situations period", usually corresponds to growths spurts. This critical age may depend on the size of the dog. Small dogs tend to experience these periods earlier than large dogs. Great care must be taken not to reinforce negative behavior. Force can frighten the dog, and soothing tones serve to encourage his fear. His fear should be handled with patience and kindness, and training during this period puts the dog in a position of success, while allowing him to work things out while building self-confidence. This is why I encourage clients to introduce their dogs to places as well as people and things.

- Maturity (1 - 4 years) :

Many breeds especially giant breeds continue to grow and physically change well beyond four years of age. The average dog develops to full maturity between 1-1 1/2 years and 3 years of age. This period is often marked by an increase in aggression and by a renewed testing for leadership. During this time, while testing for leadership, the dog should be handled firmly (not aggressively). Regulate training throughout this testing period, praise him for the proper response. Giving him no lenience to affirm his leadership will remind him that this issue has already been settled. I like to tell my clients "your dog will do what you allow him to do, so if you don't want your dog to do something you must communicate that with them".