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Puppy Behavior 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 puppy hood. 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.
©2002. Adapted from material originally developed by
applied animal behaviorists at the Dumb Friends League, Denver, Colorado.
All rights reserved.
Up
Aggression
Barking
Basic Training Techniques
Caring for Your Dog
Choosing a Dog Trainer
Crate Training
Destructive Chewing
Digging
Dog Toys
Do You Chain Your Dog
Dominant Dogs
Eating Strange Objects
Escaping
Fear of Thunder
Fearful Dogs
Housetraining
How to Use a Head Halter
Introducing Pets to a New Dog
Positive Reinforcement
Puppy Behavior Basics
Puppy Chewing
Puppy Nipping and Rough Play
Separation Anxiety
Stay Dog Bite Free
Submissive and Excitement Urination
Urine-Marking Behavior
Using Aversives to Modify Your Dog's Behavior
Removing Pet Stains and Odors
Dog Who's Left Outside
Dogs and Pickup Trucks Don't Mix |
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