Critical Periods of Development
Birth to 7 weeks- It is essential that a puppy remain with its mother and littermates during this period. Your puppy learns many lessons from its mother and siblings that you cannot duplicate. He/she learns that they are a dog. He/she learns body language while playing with littermates and learns to accept authority and leadership from his mother. Puppies removed too early from this environment may be more prone to biting, display fearful behavior, and may be less responsive to discipline. They may also have greater difficulty in communicating and getting along with other dogs.
7 to 12 weeks- This is an ideal time to bring a puppy to its new home. This is the "Period of Socialization". A puppy should be introduced to as many things as possible during this period that will be important to his/her future. For example, introduce him/her to horses if you expect him/her to someday run along with you while you ride. Other items to consider include; the vacuum cleaner, a hair dryer, and the lawn mower. Let him/her first inspect these items while they are turned off!! Also let your puppy meet all kinds of people; wearing different types of clothes, uniforms, floppy hats, suits, dresses, sunglasses, etc. Parks are a good place to do this type of socialization.
8 to 11 weeks- This is your puppy’s "Fear Imprint Period". Traumatic events he/she experiences now will have a more lasting effect than at any other age in life. Make a trip to the veterinarian at this age a pleasant experience. Offer puppy treats, let the doctor offer him treats, and take along a favorite toy. Be sure the puppy is not frightened by other animals in the clinic and be sure he does not fall from the examination table. Offer lots of praise and petting for desirable behavior, but avoid sympathizing when your puppy shows fear. Avoid ELECTIVE surgical procedures at this time.
In general, try to avoid any situations that your puppy finds stressful or frightening during this period, but continue to train and socialize in a stress-free, fun manner.
12 to 16 weeks- At this age, your puppy will begin to "cut the apron strings". He/she will begin cutting teeth, testing your leadership, and chewing more intensely. Any test of your authority at this age should be settled immediately to your satisfaction. Structured training, if not already in progress, should begin now.
These first three stages of development are usually the same for all puppies, regardless of breed or size. The ages of the next periods may vary according to breed size. Larger breeds develop more slowly during the first year, so they may experience the various stages later than a small breed.
4 to 6 months- Your puppy will really test the waters at this age. He/she will venture farther away from you, and may not come when called. In fact, he/she may run the opposite direction! This period is often called the "Flight Instinct Period". Taking your puppy away from home without a leash attached could be pure folly now. Without a leash, you put your puppy in a position of authority. How you handle your puppy’s "flight instinct" at this age will determine to a great extent how the puppy responds to your commands in the future.
6 to 14 months- This period is known as the "Second Fear Period", but is not as well defined as the prior fear period. During this teenage time, your puppy will show fear of familiar things for no known reason. Be patient through your puppy’s teenage time, don’t force him to do something that he finds frightening. Continue training, as your leadership can be a source of reassurance to him/her now.
1 to 4 years- This period is most often marked by a renewed testing of your leadership and an increase in aggression. A dog that has been overly friendly may become a good watchdog, barking when people approach the door. Two dogs who were once best friends, may fight now whenever they are together.
Continued training will help keep you in the leadership spot. If you find strong behavior problems do develop, do some reading or get in touch with an experienced trainer for help.