Critical periods in puppy development

Neonatal Period (0-12 Days):

The puppy responds only to warmth, touch, and smell. He cannot regulate body
functions such as temperature and elimination.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Human Socialization Period (7 to 12 Weeks):

The pup has the brain wave of and 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 animal 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. Learning at this age is permanent.

This is the stage where you wonder if your dog is going to be a woosy 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 doggy day care is
great for this.

 

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 dominance 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. 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.

 

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 three 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. Regulars
training throughout this testing period, praise him for the proper response. Giving
him no inroads to affirm his leadership will remind him that this issue has
already been settled.