Birth to 21 Days
Neonatal and Transition Stages
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The new puppy is with mother and littermates.
The puppy is totally dependant upon his mother
to meet all of his physical needs. Eyes and ears
open and the pups slowly begin responding to
light, movement, and sound. Puppies become more
mobile, often trying to get out of the whelping
box, plus they gain awareness of their
surroundings.
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21 to 28 Days
Awareness Stage
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Very important period with rapid sensory
development. Puppies are fully alert to their
environment and will startle easily at sudden
sounds and movements. During this time they are
able to recognize significant humans by smell,
sight and sound. However, negative events can
easily imprint during this period. This stage is a
time of rapid physical development and the pups
are more active and moving well on their feet.
Pups are now able to learn from experiences and
to retain what they have learned.
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21 to 49 Days
Socialization Stage
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During this period, the puppy learns about social
interaction, play, and inhibiting aggression from
mother and littermates. Puppies learn about
consequence from mom and littermates.
Play-fighting behavior becomes increasingly
intense. Problem-solving abilities develop,
physical coordination increases, and they learn
about bite inhibition from littermates. The puppy
now has the brain waves of an adult dog, but his
attention span is short. This period is when the
most rapid learning occurs. Learning at this age
is permanent so this is a perfect time to start
training. Also, this is the ideal time to introduce
the puppy to things that will play an important
part in his life. Introduce the puppy to different
people, places, animals, and sounds in a positive,
non-threatening way.
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7 to 12 Weeks
Human Socialization Stage
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Mental abilities are fully formed but pups lack
experience. The puppy now has the brain waves
of an adult dog, although the attention span is
still short. However, this is the optimum time to
start training because it is the period of the
most rapid learning. Research has shown that
behaviours can be shaped and modified most
easily during times when learning occurs most
quickly. Training during this time will actually
amplify the capacity to learn by increasing brain
cells in the appropriate regions of the brain.
Begin teaching response to simple commands such
as sit, down, drop it, leave it, stay, come, and
walking nicely on leash. During this period the
puppies can also learn complex behavior chains
and how to make associations. Also, this is the
ideal time to introduce the puppy to different
people, places, animals, and sounds in a positive,
non-threatening way.
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8 to 11 Weeks
Fear Imprint First Stage
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Avoid frightening the puppy during this period.
Any traumatic, frightening or painful experience
will have a more lasting effect on the puppy than
if it occurred at any other time in its life.
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12 to 16 Weeks
Social Position Stage
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Puppy begins testing social hierarchy and their
own social position. They become more confident,
bordering on emboldened. Pup is attempting to
clarify and resolve the question of leadership.
This is a vital time to establish an effective
leadership program and position.
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4 to 8 Months
Flight Instinct Stage
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Puppy thinks he doesn’t need you any longer and
begins testing the limits. May attempt to assert
dominance over humans, especially children. May
have a lapse in potty training. This period is
characterized by independence and tenacity, as
well as the time they will start to wander away.
It is very important that you keep the puppy on a
leash during this stage! Additionally, the way
that you handle and interact with the puppy at
this time determines his willingness to come to
you when called. Practice, practice, practice the
recalls and use only positive motivation
techniques. The puppy also loses his milk teeth
and gets his adult teeth. That's when puppy
begins serious chewing! A dog's teeth don't set
in his jaw until between 6 and 10 months. During
this time, the puppy has a physical need to
exercise his mouth by chewing.
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6 to 14 Months
Fear Imprint Second Stage
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Hormonal changes and sexual maturity stage.
Male dogs begin marking. Neuter or spay the pup
at this stage. Dog again shows fear of new
situations and even familiar circumstances. Dog
may be reluctant to approach someone or
something new. Reinforce the behaviors you want
but do not reinforce fearfulness by coddling or
protective behavior. Do not punish or force a
dog through a fearful situation. Training, using
positive motivation techniques, will improve the
pup's confidence. Training classes at this age
need to be enjoyable and not stressful for the
dog.
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1 to 3 Years
Maturity Period
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