Attention all Puppy Owners

PUPPY OWNERS If you have a puppy or your dog is having puppies then this is worth a read:- PUPPY GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT!!! NEONATAL PERIOD: DAY 1–DAY 12 For the first two weeks of life, a puppy is considered a neonate. Born with his eyes and ears closed, he enters the world blind, deaf, and neurologically underdeveloped. At this early stage, there is almost no difference in brain activity between the time he is sleeping and the time when he’s awake. Studies have shown that handling and other interaction experienced during the neonatal period can lead to a quicker maturation of the nervous system and an enhanced development of motor and problem-solving skills. TRANSITIVE PERIOD: DAY 13–DAY 20 This is when brain development quickly ramps up to bring the pup out of the neonate stage. Mentally, the change is as drastic as a caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a butterfly, or a tadpole’s transformation into a frog. It begins with the pup opening his eyes at approximately thirteen days of age, and is shortly followed by his ears opening five to ten days later. He experiences a marked increase in brain activity during this period, showing a stark contrast with the activity of the neonate. The puppy can now crawl forward and backward, and he can finally attempt to take his first steps. He will also begin moving beyond the nesting area to eliminate without the assistance of his mother, and his interest in solid foods will increase, even though weaning won’t occur until seven to eight weeks of age. The pup will engage in play fighting and posturing throughout the transition period. He will also begin to practice using social signals, such as growling, pawing, and tail wagging. Much to the dismay of his owner, the puppy will also exhibit signs of distress for reasons other than being cold or hungry. At this time, being separated from his littermates, being introduced to a new environment, or accidentally wandering too far from the nest will cause him to cry. Additionally, his ability to learn from training won’t reach full capacity until around four to five weeks of age. PRIMARY SOCIALIZATION PERIOD: DAY 20-WEEK 6 The first socialization period begins at two-and-a-half weeks of age and lasts until six weeks of age. This is when the puppies learn how to be dogs, so to speak. They become familiar with all the species-specific behaviors that allows them to live and communicate with other dogs, such as different body postures and vocalizations. They also learn how to bite and what it feels like to be bitten. This is an important lesson for puppies to learn when they are young, so they do not hurt other dogs and people as adults. The mother also teaches the pups very important lessons on discipline and dog-manners. Puppies will also begin to move to specific locations to potty, preferring not to mess up the den or whelping area. SECONDARY SOCIALIZATION PERIOD: WEEK 7-WEEK 14 The second socialization period is just as important as the first. As the new owner of a puppy, this is the time when you can have the greatest impact on your puppy's social development, since it coincides with the age at which puppies are typically sold by breeders. This is the period when many of the puppy's experiences have the potential to carry over into adulthood. The puppy should be exposed to a few brief and friendly visits from as many different puppy-friendly people and animals as possible. The encounters should be brief, lasting no more than twenty minutes, and end on a happy note. This teaches puppies not to fear people and other animals. JUVENILE PERIOD: WEEK 14–MONTH 6 TO 12 The juvenile period starts somewhere between the fourteenth and sixteenth weeks of age, and it ends at the onset of puberty. However, larger breeds have longer growth periods, so they do not typically achieve reproductive maturity until six to 16 months of age. During the fourteenth week of life, pups in the juvenile stage begin exhibiting independent and exploratory behaviors. The first fruits of the socialization period will become apparent at this time. Well-socialized puppies will begin initiating comfortable interaction with people and other animals. Continued socialization efforts are necessary throughout the juvenile period, since previous positive socialization experiences can fade from your puppy’s memory if they aren't reinforced. ADOLESCENT PERIOD: MONTH 6 TO 12–MONTH 18 TO 24 Adolescence begins when a puppy reaches puberty, which typically occurs between six months to one year of age. The adolescent's brain is fully developed and contains the learning capacity of an adult dog. This stage is all about crossing boundaries, testing behavioral guidelines, and challenging members of the family. The use of positive reinforcement and consistent guidelines will help the adolescent avoid later behavioral problems. Remember, practice makes permanent, so it is wise to continue providing positive socialization experiences for your pet from puppyhood onwards. MATURE ADULT: MONTH 18–48 A mature adult canine is fully developed physically, mentally, and emotionally. Depending on the breed, full maturity is reached between the ages of 18 months and four years. Since smaller breeds finish physical development sooner than the big guys, they also reach adulthood sooner. The mature adult canine is much calmer and better collected than the awkward and challenging adolescent. At this point, all of the consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience you exercised during the previous periods should finally pay off.