The 7 Stages of Puppy Development

The 7 Stages of Puppy Development

In order to understand why your puppy doesn't listen to you
at times, you need to understand each stage of development
a puppy goes through as it matures.

Let's take a look at the different stages, but before we
do, keep in mind that these stages are generalizations –
each dog will progress at its own pace.

Stage 1: The Transitional Stage 2-3 Weeks

The Transitional stage generally lasts from age two to
three weeks, and it's during this time that your puppy's
eyes will open, and he'll slowly start to respond to light
and movement and sounds around him. He'll become a little
more mobile during this period, trying to get his feet
underneath him and crawling around in the box (or wherever
home is.) He'll start to recognize mom and his littermates,
and any objects you might place in the box.

Stage 2: The Almost Ready To Meet The World Stage 3-4 Weeks

The Almost ready to meet the world stage lasts from 3 to
about 4 weeks, and your puppy undergoes rapid sensory
development during this time. Fully alert to his
environment, he'll begin to recognize you and other family
members. It's best to avoid loud noises or sudden changes
during this period – negative events can have a serious
impact on his personality and development right now.
Puppies learn how to be a dog during this time, so it's
essential that they stay with mom and littermates.

Stage 3: The Overlap Stage 4-7 Weeks

>From 3-4 weeks your puppy begins the most critical social
development period of his life – he learns social
interaction with his littermates, learns how to play and
learns bite inhibition. He'll also learn discipline at this
point – Mom will begin weaning the pups around this time,
and will start teaching them basic manners, including
accepting her as the leader of the pack. You can begin to
introduce food to the pups starting around the 4th week –
transition gradually as Mom weans them.

Continue handling the pups daily, but don't separate them
from either Mom or litter mates for more than about 10
minutes per day. Puppies that are removed from the nest too
early frequently are nervous, more prone to barking and
biting and have a more difficult time with socialization
and training. Puppies need to be left with Mom and siblings
until at least 7 weeks of age - and preferably a little
longer - for optimum social development. Experts say that
the best time in a puppy's life to learn social skills is
between 3 and 16 weeks of age – that's the window of
opportunity you have to make sure your puppy grows up to be
a well-adjusted dog. It's extremely important to leave your
puppy with Mom and his littermates during as much of this
period as possible. Don't discipline for play fighting,
housebreaking mistakes or mouthing – that's all normal
behavior for a puppy at this stage.

Stage 4: The "I'm Afraid of Everything" Stage 8 Weeks to 3
Months

The "I'm Afraid of Everything" Stage lasts from about 8
weeks to 3 months, and is characterized by rapid learning
as well as a "fearful period" that usually pops up at
around 8 to 10 weeks. Not all dogs experience this, but
most do, and they'll appear terrified over things that they
took in stride before. This is not a good time to engage in
harsh discipline (not that you ever should anyway!), loud
voices or traumatic events.

At this time your puppy's bladder and bowels are starting
to come under much better control, and he's capable of
sleeping through the night. (At last, you can get some
rest!) You can begin teaching simple commands like: come,
sit, stay, down, etc. Leash training can begin. It's
important not to isolate your puppy from human contact at
this time, as he'll continue to learn behaviors and manners
that will affect him in later years.

Stage 5: The Juvenile Stage 3 Months to 4 Months

The Juvenile stage typically lasts from 3 to 4 months of
age, and it's during this time your puppy is most like a
toddler. He'll be a little more independent - he might
start ignoring the commands he's only recently learned –
just like a child does when they're trying to exert their
new-found independence. As in "I don't have to listen to
you!" Firm and gentle reinforcement of commands and
training is what's required here.

He might start biting you – play biting or even a real
attempt to challenge your authority. A sharp "No!" or "No
bite!" command, followed by several minutes of ignoring
him, should take care of this problem.

Continue to play with him and handle him on a daily basis,
but don't play games like tug of war or wrestling with him.
He may perceive tug of war as a game of dominance –
especially if he wins. And wrestling is another game that
can rapidly get out of hand. As your puppy's strength
grows, he's going to want to play-fight to see who's
stronger – even if you win, the message your puppy receives
is that it's ok to fight with you. And that's not ok!

Stage 6: The Brat Stage 4-6 Months

The Brat Stage starts at about 4 months and runs until
about 6 months, and it's during this time your puppy will
demonstrate even more independence and willfulness. You may
see a decline in his urge to please you – expect to see
more "testing the limits" type of behaviors. He'll be going
through a teething cycle during this time, and will also be
looking for things to chew on to relieve the pain and
pressure. Frozen doggie bones can help sooth him during
this period.

He may try to assert his new "dominance" over other family
members, especially children. Continue his training in
obedience and basic commands, but make sure to never let
him off his leash during this time unless you're in a
confined area. Many times pups at this age will ignore
commands to return or come to their owners, which can be a
dangerous, even fatal, breakdown in your dog's response to
you. If you turn him loose in a public place, and he bolts,
the chances of injury or even death can result – so don't
take the chance.

He'll now begin to go through the hormonal changes brought
about by his growing sexual maturity, and you may see signs
of rebelliousness. (Think adolescent teen-age boy!) If you
haven't already, you should have him neutered during this
time. (Or spayed if you have a female.)

Stage 7: The Young Adult Stage 6-18 Months

The Young Adulthood stage lasts from 6 months to about 18
months, and is usually a great time in your dog's life -
he's young, he's exuberant, he's full of beans – and yet
he's learning all the things he needs to become a
full-fledged adult dog.

Be realistic in your expectations of your dog at this time
– just because he's approaching his full growth and may
look like an adult, he's not as seasoned and experienced as
you might expect. Gradually increase the scope of
activities for your dog, as well as the training. You can
start more advanced training during this period, such as
herding or agility training, if that's something both of
you are interested in. Otherwise, extend his activities to
include more people and other animals – allow him to
interact with non-threatening or non-aggressive dogs.

Congratulations! You've raised your puppy through the 7
stages of childhood, er, I mean puppyhood, and now you have
a grown-up, adult dog! Almost feels like you've raised a
kid, doesn't it?

About the Author:

To transform your stubborn, misbehaving dog into a loyal,
well-behaving "best friend" who obeys your every command
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