Puppy Developmental Stages

Birth to 2 weeks: Neonatal Period

Puppy is most influenced by his mother.

Senses of touch and taste are present at birth.

We begin “Super Dog/Puppy” Method of Training from day 3 through day 16 followed by socialization/Enrichment.

2 to 4 weeks: Transitional Period

Puppy is most influenced by his mother and littermates.

Eyes open, teeth begin to come in, and senses of hearing and smell develop.

Puppy begins to stand, walk a little, wag tail, and bark.

By the fourth or fifth week, eyesight is well-developed.

3 to 12 weeks: Socialization Period

During this period, puppy needs opportunities to meet other dogs and people.

3 to 5 weeks: puppy becomes aware of his surroundings, companions (both canine and human),
and relationships, including play.

4 to 6 weeks: puppy is most influenced by littermates and is learning about being a dog.

4 to 12 weeks: puppy remains influenced by littermates and is also influenced by people. Puppy
learns to play, develops social skills, learns the inhibited bite, explores social structure/ranking,
and improves physical coordination.

5 to 7 weeks: puppy develops curiosity and explores new experiences. Puppy needs positive
"people" experiences during this time.

7 to 9 weeks: puppy is refining his physical skills and coordination, and can begin to be housetrained.
Puppy has full use of senses.

8 to 10 weeks: puppy experiences real fear involving normal objects and experiences; puppy needs
positive training during this time.

9 to 12 weeks: puppy is refining reactions, developing social skills with littermates (appropriate interactions),
and exploring the environment and objects. Puppy begins to focus on people; this is a good time to begin training.

3 to 6 Months: Ranking Period

Puppy is most influenced by "playmates," which may now include those of other species.

Puppy begins to see and use ranking (dominance and submission) within the household
(the puppy's "pack"), including humans.

Puppy begins teething (and associated chewing).

4 months: puppy experiences another fear stage.

6 to 18 Months: Adolescence

Puppy is most influenced by human and dog "pack" members.

7 to 9 months: puppy goes through a second chewing phase, part of exploring territory.

Puppy increases exploration of dominance, including challenging humans.

If not spayed or neutered, puppy experiences beginnings of sexual behavior.

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