The Critical Stages of Dog's development

The following section is reprinted from an article "A Novice Looks At Puppy Aptitude Testing"

By Melissa Bartlett from Kees News - August 84 issue

...The following is a brief synopsis of the critical stages of the dog as revealed by the research of Scott and Fuller.

Stage I

1-3 weeks (1-20 days) The puppy needs warmth, food, sleep and his mother. Neurologically very primitive, the puppy responds by reflex and essentially it is unable to learn. - This is what you mostly find if you look through the internet but my personaly experiences showed me that the Puppys need a lot of contact through this age and that they do "learn" or at least are able to build a association. I handle my Puppys a few times a day. I gently pick them up, move them in my hand and let them sniff on my hand. Then i gently place them to the teats. It will only take a few days untill the Puppys have learned that I am "positive". If they are hungry they get aktive and if they are not hungry then they get very calm and start to relax in my hand untill they are asleep again.





4th week (21-28 days) The puppy needs its mother most at this time. It is a period of extremely rapid sensory development. Neurologically the brain is suddenly able to receive messages; the circuits are "turned on". Weaning should not take place at this time; the puppy is extremely vulnerable.

5th-7th week (29-49 days) The puppy needs his mother and litter-mates. Dogs removed from the litter at this period tend to be unable to socialize with other dogs, may fight, refuse to breed, etc. Contact with humans and gentle training is beneficial and helps the pup set the stage for more intense contact with humans later on. - A nother note - Be very carefully with your Puppy as with 4 weeks the first fearstage can come up. Things which have always been normal to the Puppy can the suddenly be a neightmare. Always carry the Puppy close to your body as they can get fear of heights. This fearstage normally last for 7 days.

7th week (49th-56th day) This is the ideal time for the puppy to transfer his loyalty to his new owner. Mentally he is able to learn whatever any adult dog can learn, his being is neurologically complete. However, physically he will not be able to do the tasks of an adult dog. For example he can't jump one and a half times his height with the dumbbell in his mouth, but he can learn the exercise if it is scaled down to his size. Socialization and training should continue on a regular basis. Bonds formed at this time are extremely strong. - I can only agree to this and the 7th weeks very imported for a Puppy and his new Family. You will never get this 7 days back so USE IT !!!!

8-10 weeks (57-70 days) This is the fear-imprinting period. Any traumatic experience such as shipping, ear cropping, severe punishment, etc. may have a lasting effect on the dog. New experiences must be non-fear producing. Proper training and socialization should continue. - That is also one reasone why it is better to take the new Puppy home with 7 weeks. The Puppy has one week time to get used to his family and the dayly routin befor he makes his trip to the vet for his injection which can trauma a Puppy; why do you think are there so many dogs who are scared of the Vet??!!

11-16 weeks (71-112 days) The puppy continues to learn from his experiences. If left with other dogs, he may become imprint only to dogs; taking his leadership from them and never developing a strong relationship with human beings. Lack of socialization with humans will result in shy behaviour such as found in wild animals. Lack of exposure to other environments and exploration may result in "kennel syndrome", where the dog is unable to cope with any change from his routine environment. - If you have more then one dog then PLLLLEASE feed, train and play with your puppy on its own as often as possible!!! Never ever wait untill "the Puppys has settled" or " the Puppy and the dogs are friends" or "the Puppy must grow up first".

There are a lot of ways to train your new friend and a lot of dogtrainers will tell you something different BUT as long as you stay fair to your Dog and let him be A DOG, he will surly turn into the friend you always wanted. One of the most and common mistake dogowners are doing is TO DO NOTHING !!! So enjoy the Puppytime and show your Puppy how to be a good dog and you will have a faithfull friend for the rest of his life.



Remember - there is only one who has to PAY FOR YOUR MISTAKES and that is YOUR DOG .