Experiences
during the first 3 months of a puppy’s life are the foundation
of the puppy’s mature personality. These months are often
referred to as the developmental months. It is during this time
that almost all of the dog’s basic behavioral patterns are
developed. Each “period” of development has specific
activities that can help a puppy grow emotionally.
The first
of the development stages for puppies is The Neonatal
Period. This period starts at day one and goes to day
14. At this stage the most important and main influence in the
puppies life is their dam. Her health, milk supply, attitude
towards the pups and people who come see them influence the behavior
development of the litter.
The second
developmental stage for the pups is the Transitional
period. It starts at day 15 and goes to day 21. During
the transitional period, the key behavior’s you start to
see with the puppies are the eye’s opening, teeth
beginning to merge, and the getting up on all 4 legs to start
to walk. Towards the end of the period they will begin to lap
liquids and they will defecate without the mom’s stimulation.
From 3
- 12 wks of age is the Socialization Period for
puppies. This period can be separated into 4 divisions. Each important
to the next stage. It is during this socialization period that
the puppy’s primary social relationships develop. It is
important that the primary association is with people so that
they can develop lasting relationships, especially in the later
stages. A puppy that receives little human contact during this
time will find it difficult to adjust to humans their whole lifetime.
During this time the puppy also needs to be with littermates and
the dam, especially during the first weeks of the socialization
period. They need to learn how to act around other dogs and puppies
or they could be become a dog that picks fights easily or have
problems mating.
F
Litter ~ Tikka & Brinks 10/02/2007
Journal
1 - Neonatal Period
Journal
2 - Transitional Period
Journal
3 - Socialization, Part 1
Journal
4 - Socialization, Part 2
Journal
5 - Socialization: Period of Curiosity Continued
Journal
6 - 8 weeks of age
E
Litter ~ Tikka & Urs 4/5/2006
Journal
1 - Neonatal Period
Journal
2 - Transitional Period
Journal
3 - Socialization Period: 3 to 4 weeks
Journal
4 - Socialization: Period of Curiosity 5 to 7 weeks
Journal
5 - Socialization Period, 6th week
Journal
6 - Socialization & Curiosity, 7th week
E Litter "Growing Up"
D
Litter
Journal
Entries
