Developmental Stages Of Puppy Behavior (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Developmental Stages Of Puppy Behavior Page 2

(including housetraining) and full use of

senses.

· By eight to ten weeks they experience

real fear when puppies can be alarmed

by normal objects and experiences and

need positive training.

· By nine to 12 weeks they’re refining

reactions, social skills (appropriate

interactions) with littermates and are

exploring the environment, spaces and

objects. Beginning to focus on people.

This is a good time to begin training.

3 6 months = Ranking

· Most influenced by “littermates”

(playmates now include those of other

species).

· Beginning to see and use ranking

(dominant and submissive) within the

pack, including humans.

· Teething (and associated chewing).

· At four months they experience another

fear stage.

6 18 months = Adolescence

· Most influenced by human and dog “pack”

members.

· At seven to nine months they go through

a second chewing phase part of

exploring territory.

· Heightened exploration of dominance,

including challenging humans.

· If not spayed or neutered, beginnings of

sexual behavior.

Information Adapted from Denver Dumb Friends League,

Revised September 06

Developmental Stages Of Puppy Behavior Page 2