PUPPY BEHAVIORAL BASICS:
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, especially for dogs. The fact
is, well-socialized dogs are more likely to have well-socialized
puppies. Pups often mirror their mothers' calm or fearful attitude
toward people; this is a normal part of their socialization. But you can
play a vital role, too, by petting, talking, and playing with puppy to
help him develop good "people skills."
Puppies are usually weaned at six to seven weeks, but are still learning
important skills as their mother gradually leaves them for longer
periods of time. Ideally, puppies should stay with their littermates (or
other "role-model" dogs) for at least 12 weeks.
Puppies separated from their littermates too early often fail to develop
appropriate "social skills," such as learning how to send and receive
signals, what an "inhibited bite" (acceptable mouthing pressure) means,
how far to go in play-wrestling, and so forth. Play is important for
puppies because it increases their physical coordination, social skills,
and learning limits. By interacting with their mother and littermates,
puppies explore the ranking process ("who's in charge") and also learn
"how to be a dog."
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 of life. Here are general guidelines for puppies' stages of
development:
Birth to Two Weeks: Neonatal Period
Puppy is most influenced by his mother.
Senses of touch and taste are present at birth.
Two to Four Weeks: Transitional Period
Puppy is most influenced by his mother and littermates.
Eyes open, teeth begin to come in, and senses 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 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 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.
Adapted from material originally developed by applied animal
behaviorists at the
Dumb Friends League, Denver, Colorado. All rights reserved.
If you have questions or need our services, please contact the shelter
at
618.346.5213 or contact us today via
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Copyrights 2009 WARREN BILLHARTZ ANIMAL SHELTER OF
COLLINSVILLE. A KTLLC Communications Solution