DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES FOR PUPPIES
“Puppies provided with poor socialization or deprived of environmental exposure often develop lifelong deficits and dysfunctional behaviors. A puppy isolated early in life from other puppies and humans will not only fail to establish satisfying social contact with conspecifics or enjoy companionship with people later in life (such puppies are extremely fearful of any social contact), they will also exhibit widespread behavioral and cognitive disabilities as well. Isolated puppies exhibit poor learning and problem-solving abilities and are extremely hyperactive or rigidly inhibited, are emotionally over-reactive and unable to encounter novel social or environmental situations without extreme fear and avoidance, and are socially and sexually incapacitated.” – Handbook of Applied Behavior and Training, Steven R. Lindsay
0 – 2 weeks = Neonatal
Most influenced by their mother.
Touch and taste present at birth.
2 – 4 weeks = Transitional
Most influenced by their mother and littermates.
Eyes open, teeth erupt, hearing and smell developing.
Beginning to stand, walk a little, wag, bark.
By four or five weeks, sight is well developed.
2 – 12 weeks = Socialization
During this period, puppies need opportunities to meet other dogs and people.
By four to six weeks they’re most influenced by their littermates and are learning about being a dog.
From four to 12 weeks they’re most influenced by their littermates and people. They’re also learning to play, including social skills, inhibited bite, social structure/ranking and physical coordination.
By three to five weeks they’re developing curiosity and exploring new experiences. They need positive “people” experiences during this time.
By 7 to 9 weeks
They’re refining their physical skills/coordination (including housetraining) and full use of senses.
By eight to ten weeks they experience real fear – when puppies can be alarmed by normal objects and experiences and need positive training.
By 9 to 12 weeks they’re refining reactions, social skills (appropriate interactions) with littermates and are exploring the environment, spaces and objects. Beginning to focus on people. This is a good time to begin training.
3– 6 months = Ranking
Most influenced by “littermates” (playmates now include those of other species).
Beginning to see and use ranking (dominate and submissive) within the pack, including humans.
Teething (and associated chewing).
At four months they experience another fear stage.
6 – 18 months = Adolescence
Most influenced by human and dog “pack” members
At seven to nine months they go through a second chewing phase – part of exploring territory.
Heightened exploration of dominance, including challenging humans.
If not spayed or neutered, beginnings of sexual behavior.
The chart above provides general guidelines for the stages of development.
Puppy News