Let's take a look at the different stages, but before we do, keep in mind that these stages are generalizations ? each dog will progress at its own pace.
Stage 1: The Transitional Stage 2-3 Weeks
The Transitional stage generally lasts from age two to three weeks, and it's during this time that your puppy's eyes will open, and he'll slowly start to respond to light and movement and sounds around him. He'll become a little more mobile during this period, trying to get his feet underneath him and crawling around in the box (or wherever home is.) He'll start to recognize mom and his littermates, and any objects you might place in the box.
Stage 2: The Almost Ready To Meet The World Stage 3-4 Weeks
The Almost ready to meet the world stage lasts from 3 to about 4 weeks, and your puppy undergoes rapid sensory development during this time. Fully alert to his environment, he'll begin to recognize you and other family members. It's best to avoid loud noises or sudden changes during this period ? negative events can have a serious impact on his personality and development right now. Puppies learn how to be a dog during this time, so it's essential that they stay with mom and littermates.
Stage 3: The Overlap Stage 4-7 Weeks
From 3-4 weeks your puppy begins the most critical social development period of his life ? he learns social interaction with his littermates, learns how to play and learns bite inhibition.
He'll also learn discipline at this point ? Mom will begin weaning the pups around this time, and will start teaching them basic manners, including accepting her as the leader of the pack. You can begin to introduce food to the pups starting around the 4th week ? transition gradually as Mom weans them. Continue handling the pups daily, but don't separate them from either Mom or litter mates for more than about 10 minutes per day. Puppies that are removed from the nest too early frequently are nervous, more prone to barking and biting and have a more difficult time with socialization and training. Puppies need to be left with Mom and siblings until at least 7 weeks of age - and preferably a little longer - for optimum social development. Experts say that the best time in a puppy's life to learn social skills is between 3 and 16 weeks of age ? that's the window of opportunity you have to make sure your puppy grows up to be a well-adjusted dog. It's extremely important to leave your puppy with Mom and his littermates during as much of this period as possible. Don't discipline for play fighting, housebreaking mistakes or mouthing ? that's all normal behavior for a puppy at this stage.
Stage 4: The "I'm Afraid of Everything" Stage 8 Weeks to 3 Months
The "I'm Afraid of Everything" Stage lasts from about 8 weeks to 3 months, and is characterized by rapid learning as well as a "fearful period" that usually pops up at around 8 to 10 weeks. Not all dogs experience this, but most do, and they'll appear terrified over things that they took in stride before. This is not a good time to engage in harsh discipline (not that you ever should anyway!), loud voices or traumatic events. At this time your puppy's bladder and bowels are starting to come under much better control, and he's capable of sleeping through the night. (At last, you can get some rest!) You can begin teaching simple commands like: come, sit, stay, down, etc. Leash training can begin. It's important not to isolate your puppy from human contact at this time, as he'll continue to learn behaviors and manners that will affect him in later years.
Stage 5: The Juvenile Stage 3 Months to 4 Months
The Juvenile stage typically lasts from 3 to 4 months of age, and it's during this time your puppy is most like a toddler. He'll be a little more independent - he might start ignoring the commands he's only recently learned ? just like a child does when they're trying to exert their new-found independence. As in "I don't have to listen to you!" Firm and gentle reinforcement of commands and training is what's required here. He might start biting you ? play biting or even a real attempt to challenge your authority. A sharp "No!" or "No bite!" command, followed by several minutes of ignoring him, should take care of this problem. Continue to play with him and handle him on a daily basis, but don't play games like tug of war or wrestling with him. He may perceive tug of war as a game of dominance ? especially if he wins. And wrestling is another game that can rapidly get out of hand. As your puppy's strength grows, he's going to want to play-fight to see who's stronger ? even if you win, the message your puppy receives is that it's ok to fight with you. And that's not ok!
Stage 6: The Brat Stage 4-6 Months
The Brat Stage starts at about 4 months and runs until about 6 months, and it's during this time your puppy will demonstrate even more independence and willfulness. You may see a decline in his urge to please you ? expect to see more "testing the limits" type of behaviors. He'll be going through a teething cycle during this time, and will also be looking for things to chew on to relieve the pain and pressure. Frozen doggie bones can help sooth him during this period.
He may try to assert his new "dominance" over other family members, especially children. Continue his training in obedience and basic commands, but make sure to never let him off his leash during this time unless you're in a confined area. Many times pups at this age will ignore commands to return or come to their owners, which can be a dangerous, even fatal, breakdown in your dog's response to you. If you turn him loose in a public place, and he bolts, the chances of injury or even death can result ? so don't take the chance.
He'll now begin to go through the hormonal changes brought about by his growing sexual maturity, and you may see signs of rebelliousness. (Think adolescent teen-age boy!) If you haven't already, you should have him neutered during this time. (Or spayed if you have a female.)
Stage 7: The Young Adult Stage 6-18 Months
The Young Adulthood stage lasts from 6 months to about 18 months, and is usually a great time in your dog's life - he's young, he's exuberant, he's full of beans ? and yet he's learning all the things he needs to become a full-fledged adult dog.
Be realistic in your expectations of your dog at this time ? just because he's approaching his full growth and may look like an adult, he's not as seasoned and experienced as you might expect. Gradually increase the scope of activities for your dog, as well as the training. You can start more advanced training during this period, such as herding or agility training, if that's something both of you are interested in. Otherwise, extend his activities to include more people and other animals ? allow him to interact with non-threatening or non-aggressive dogs.
Congratulations! You've raised your puppy through the 7 stages of childhood, er, I mean puppyhood, and now you have a grown-up, adult dog! Almost feels like you've raised a kid, doesn't it?
Charlie Lafave, author, "Dog Training Secrets!" To transform your stubborn, misbehaving dog into a loyal, well-behaving "best friend" who obeys your every command and is the envy of the neighborhood, visit: http://tinyurl.com/6u2cj
bathroom cleaning service Northbrook ..Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar... Read More
Is your bird a seed only eater? Did you know... Read More
Dog House Training can be simpleTo start your dog house... Read More
Just south of Snowdon, in the grey-stoned village of Beddgelert... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
Cats are known for their curious and adventurous nature. Curiosity... Read More
Thinking of getting a pet for your little ones? How... Read More
Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More
a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More
One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More
Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More
Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More
Puppies and dogs, as mentioned, are social creatures. When they... Read More
Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More
OriginDo you know that the adorable little puppy you bought... Read More
Interacting with a pet bird outside of it's cage is... Read More
Twenty-six percent of the dogs at the six Los Angeles... Read More
insured cleaning company Wilmette ..Hopefully no one is pulling the leash. The ideal situation... Read More
This is a question that has been asked of me... Read More
Guinea Pigs make great pets and are fairly easy to... Read More
Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More
Many pet owners don't like using a leash, for a... Read More
Dog careAccepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly... Read More
A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even... Read More
Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to... Read More
Could a horse trainer, born about 154 years ago, teach... Read More
My love of horses began at the age of 11... Read More
We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
Guide for training a dogSo you can use a guide... Read More
Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned... Read More
The greatest benefits of ownership is knowing that your property... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
Top five dog breeds for homes with children* Beagle *... Read More
Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
Knowing how to feed your betta is fundamental, because doing... Read More
Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for... Read More
My son and I have a cat. Her name is... Read More
Pet |