A Puppy's Development



Birth to Two Weeks: Neonatal Period

• Puppy is most influenced by his/her mother.

• Senses of touch and taste are present at birth.

Two to Four Weeks: Transitional Period

• Puppy is most influenced by his/her mother and littermates.

• Eyes open, teeth begin to come in, and sense 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.

Three to Twelve Weeks: Socialization Period

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

• By three to five weeks, puppy becomes aware of his/her surroundings, companions (both canine and human), and relationships, including play.

• By four to six weeks, puppy is most influenced by littermates and is learning about being a dog.

• From four to twelve 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.

• By five to seven weeks, puppy develops curiosity and explores new experiences. Puppy needs positive "people" experiences during this time.

• By seven to nine weeks, puppy is refining his/her physical skills and coordination, and can begin to be housetrained. Puppy has full use of senses.

• By eight to ten weeks, puppy experiences real fear involving normal objects and experiences; puppy needs positive training during this time.

• By nine to twelve 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.

Three to Six 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).

• At four months of age, puppy experiences another fear stage.

Six to Eighteen Months: Adolescence

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

• At seven to nine 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.

  Home   |   Previous   | Next