A Puppy's Critical Stages of Development by: Mary Remer
BulliesofNC
Richlands, NC
A Puppy's Critical Stages of Development
The Neonatal Stage is from birth to 2 weeks. . A puppy brain is only developed
enough to control breathing, heartbeat, and maintain a steady state of being.
Neonatal puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature but will seek
warmth and cry when they are cold or hungry. Consequently, it is up to the
breeder to provide an environment that is draft free and of consistent
temperature (80-90 degrees) for the first two weeks. The best way to ensure
ample nourishment is by daily weight checks which evidence a steady gain. While
the eyes and ears are closed, researchers do believe puppies are born with some
sense of taste and smell. Research has demonstrated that brief periods of daily
handling and specific forms of stimulation, such as the “Super Dog†program,
will have positive effects on both the neurological and physical systems. The
“Super Dog†program, originally known as the BioSensor Protocol, was developed
by the military and found to have the most optimum effects when implemented
between days three and sixteen. Five exercises comprise the daily program with
each one lasting for 3 to 5 seconds. In his article, “Developing High
Achievers†(originally published as “Early Neurological Stimulationâ€), Dr.
Carmen Battaglia sites benefits of the “Super Dog†program which include
stronger adrenal glands, stronger heartbeats, and more tolerance to stresses as
well as resistance to disease. On a cautionary note, too much stimulation has
been shown to have adverse effects. For more information on Dr. Battaglia’s
work, please refer to http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/achiever.html.
The period of two to three weeks is considered a Transitional Period. Its
beginning is marked by the opening of the eyes (sight improves gradually from
this point) and concludes at the onset of hearing. Crawling both forwards and
backwards and attempts to walk happen during this week. Appropriate non-slip
bedding in the whelping box will be helpful, as you will notice increased
movement about the box. At this time puppies can tolerate lower temperatures,
between 70 and 80 degrees, which will be a relief to Mom.
The next definable period is an Identity Awareness Period that occurs from
three weeks through sixteen weeks and contains within it sensitive times where
interventions can be critical to a puppy’s development. Socialization at this
time is critical for proper attachment development to humans and other species
as well as confidence in a variety of environments. A broad range of humans
(men, women, children, ones with hats, coats, umbrellas, beards, glasses, etc.)
must be experienced as well as a variety of environments and other animals.
Dogs will only become fluent in “dog†with a broad spectrum of exposures to
breeds and ages. Age defines the nature of these experiences which will begin
at home. Starting at around three weeks friends can come by and handle the
puppies. By the fourth week begin changing the puppies environment by setting
up a pen in other areas of the house. By the fifth week they can begin to
explore the outside on warm, sunny days. Have visitors over of all ages and
sizes. Once they get to seven weeks puppies can go on short outings to puppy
friendly places like a friend’s house, dog friendly banks and post offices,
etc. It is a good time to start brief play dates with other puppies of similar
age and introductions to puppy friendly adult dogs as well. At this time
puppies should experience environments that are positively stimulating, such as
playing on puppy agility equipment. Well known behaviorist and author, Dr. Ian
Dunbar, says that by the time a puppy is four months he should have met four
hundred people to meet Dunbar’s criterion for a well-socialized puppy. From the
socializing perspective, this article suggests an ideal, however, your
veterinarian may have concerns about your puppies immunity and vaccination
protection. Do consult with your veterinarian or other professional resource.
Be vigilant about your puppy’s mental and physical safety. Finally, this is a
time when puppies need to learn to be alone. Not learning to be relaxed when
alone can lead to separation anxiety later on.
In the third to fourth week, the first set of teeth are emerging and
consequently it is possible that puppies may experience their first negative
response from their mother for suckling too hard when they nurse. She also may
be ready to start the weaning process and will let the pups nurse less
frequently. So it is here that the first opportunity arises for the pups to
learn about inhibiting their bite. This is a critical reason for pups to be
reared by their dams, as she will be the first teacher of bite inhibition. Mock
play also begins in this week among the littermates. Also during this time,
toys of different materials should be put in the environment and there should
be different textures for them to walk on as well. Now is the time puppies will
leave their sleeping area to relieve themselves so its helpful to have a
distinction in surface texture.
It is important for the litter to be kept together and with their mother into
the seventh week as it is a critical socialization period. The puppies learn
appropriate deference to their mother, which they will then be able to transfer
to other relationships. A hierarchy within the litter is established at this
time and critical social skills are developed and imprinted through rituals of
play and mock fighting behaviors.
Toward the end of the seventh week is an optimum time for bonding and for
puppies to be placed into their families. The brain is developed and is ready
for the stimulation of learning and socializing as an individual, out of the
litter context.
There is a Fear Imprint Stage between eight and ten weeks. Its duration is
variable, sometimes lasting for two days or up to two weeks. The owner may
notice a sensitivity to loud and/or unusual sounds. Socialization and exposure
need to be continued at this time however it is recommended that puppies stay
in a familiar environment during this period.
The next critical stage of development occurs between the fourth and seventh
months and is called the Flight Instinct Period. Suddenly your compliant,
velcro puppy becomes Christopher Columbus and turns a deaf ear while heading in
the away direction. It is marked as a critical period as the pup comprehends
the following: once he is away from you, you have no magic to make him come
when you call and he is able to process this information from short to
long-term memory. The behavior of not coming when called can quickly become a
learned behavior. Puppies must be kept safe during this time by using a leash
unless they are in a fenced in area. Coinciding within this time of
independence is the teething process. Some breeds and individuals have a harder
time with this than others. Red, swollen, sore gums with erupting teeth can
make puppies mouthy and irritable. There may be a regression in house training
progress as puppies increase their water intake in an effort to soothe their
gums. The puppy may object to necessary protocols such as nail cutting,
grooming, ear cleaning, leash walking and taking away toys or food. These
objections must be worked through now, as the puppy needs to learn the
difference between play and necessaries. Puppy Kindergarten classes should be a
puppy priority at this time.
Between six and fourteen months there is a Second Fear Imprint Stage, which
relates to fears of knowns and unknowns. All of a sudden the fire hydrant on
the street that has been there since the puppy’s first walk has morphed into a
terrifying monster or the couch that was in the puppy’s picture since the
beginning has suddenly become on ogre. When these fears pop up, build
confidence with humor and play rather than soothing the puppy though it. Let
the hydrant or couch become a treat dispenser.
Also between six and fourteen months there is the most committed chewing
behavior. The adult teeth are in but are not committed in the jawbone. The
mandible is the last bone to grow and as it does there is a physiological need
to chew. The chewing can become destructive if not managed properly. This chewing
is usually at its height between seven and ten months. Hormones and the
challenges of puberty and adolescence are also apparent during this period.
There can be defiance and challenges with both other dogs and humans. It is a
time to focus on your relationship with your dog as well as his relationship
with other dogs. Keeping your adolescent dog well exercised and with plenty of
appropriate chewing material available is essential. Manners classes can be
helpful and supportive.
The period of one to three to four years is referred to as the Maturity Period.
Puppies evolve into adult dogs. The larger the breed, the longer it takes to
reach maturity. There is physical as well as mental maturity. It is a time when
both genetic and environmental potentials are realized. Renowned geneticists
and behaviorists, Scott and Fuller, maintain that ultimately a dog’s behavioral
makeup is 35% genetic and 65% environmental, i.e., training, management,
socializing, diet and health care. So your knowledge of puppy development and
the resultant actions you take will make a huge difference in your life long
relationship with your dog.
--Mary Remer--
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