Developmental Stages Of Puppy Behavior printable pdf download

Developmental Stages Of

Puppy Behavior

Although feeding time is important, it’s also vital to include petting, talking and playing, in order

to help your puppy build good “peopleskills.” Wellsocialized mothers are more likely to have

wellsocialized puppies. Puppies “feed” off of their mothers’ calm or fearful attitude toward

people.

Puppies are usually weaned at six or seven weeks, but are still

learning important skills as their mother gradually leaves them

more and more. Ideally, puppies should stay with their

littermates (or other rolemodel dogs) for at least 12 weeks.

Puppies separated from their littermates too early often don’t

develop appropriate “social skills,” such as learning how to send

and receive signals, what an “inhibited bite” means, how far to

go in play wrestling and so forth. Play is important to help

puppies increase their physical coordination, social skills and

learning limits. Interacting with their mother and littermates

helps them learn “how to be a dog” and is also a way to explore

ranking (“who’s in charge”).

Skills not acquired during the first eight weeks may be lost

forever. While these stages are important and fairly consistent,

a dog’s mind remains receptive to new experiences and lessons

well beyond puppyhood. Most dogs are still puppies, in mind and body, through the first two

years.

The following chart provides general guidelines for the stages of development.

0 2 weeks = Neonatal

· By four to six weeks they’re most

influenced by their littermates and are

· Most influenced by their mother.

learning about being a dog.

· Touch and taste present at birth.

· From four to 12 weeks they’re most

2 4 weeks = Transitional

influenced by their littermates and people.

They’re also learning to play, including

· Most influenced by their mother and

social skills, inhibited bite, social

littermates.

structure/ranking and physical

· Eyes open, teeth erupt, hearing and smell

coordination.

developing.

· By three to five weeks they’re becoming

· Beginning to stand, walk a little, wag,

aware of their surroundings, companions

bark.

(dogs and people) and relationships,

· By four or five weeks, sight is well

including play.

developed.

· By five to seven weeks they’re developing

curiosity and exploring new experiences.

3 12 weeks = Socialization

They need positive “people” experiences

· During this period, puppies need

during this time.

opportunities to meet other dogs and

· By seven to nine weeks they’re refining

people.

they’re physical skills/coordination

Information Adapted from Denver Dumb Friends League,

Revised September 06

Developmental Stages Of Puppy Behavior

Related Articles

Related forms

Related Categories