Dogs Developement /Importance of Socialization/Training

In what is known as the Neonatal Period (birth two 12 days). There have been studies done showing what kind of handling a breeder should do with puppies at this time. For the most part, your puppy at this stage is blind and deaf, and will just begin to gain some of its senses. It should also start becoming more mobile and responsive to its environment during this stage. 

There have been some interesting studies done researching the amount of stimulation done during this time and its benefit on puppies later in life.  Using the following two methods of socialization from birth to 12 wks, will give your dog a definite advantage physically & mentally.  As well as make it a less anxious/stressed dog with less seperation anxiety, fewer behavioral problems, and a happier/calmer and more confident dog ALTOGETHER.

Transitional stage (13 to 20 days); Eyes open, puppy can hear, begins to walk in a wobbly fashion.They will begin to hear and will respond to taste and smell. This is the time to introduce novel stimuli to the whelping box such as a plastic milk bottle, knotted towel, cardboard box, etc. This is also a time to introduce puppies to friendly cats. It is important to continue picking up the pups daily, admire them, talk to them, and spend a few minutes with each one individually.

Awareness Stage (21-23 Days):  It is a time of very rapid sensory development. A stable environment is crucial. It is important not to overload them. Radical changes in the environment must be avoided, i.e. do not move the whelping box!

It is essential that the puppy remain with the litter and the mother.

Each day introduce a new surface such as concrete, linoleum, wood, carpet, matting, etc. Taking them two at a time will make it less stressful than one at a time. Very mild auditory stimuli is introduced, such as a radio playing quietly.

Primary Socialization Period (3-5 wks): Puppy learns species specific behavior that makes him a dog (biting, chasing, barking, fighting and body posturing.

Learns to accept discipline from mother and to use submissive postures.

Learns not to bite too hard. Learns to relate to other litter mates and develops a pack hierarchy through play.

Mother begins to wean puppies between 4-8 weeks, but should be allowed as much time with the pups as she wants.

Puppies require plenty of playtime with litter mates, so they can socialize.

Each puppy should have one-on-one individual attention with humans. Occasionally isolate puppies to prepare them for separation.

Puppy's rate of mental development will now depend on the complexity of their environment.

Secondary Socilaization Period (7 - 12 wks):

The 49th day. The brain waves of the puppy are the same as a mature dog. Puppy should be completely weaned from mother. This is the age when most rapid learning occurs. Greatest impact on future social behavior will be made by any experience that happens at this point.

The window of opportunity is closing. Although puppies can continue to learn to be comfortable with new things, it is not as easy. Best time to bring a puppy into its new home is around week 7or 8. "The 49th day" is recommended by Guide Dog raisers and supported by studies.

Absolutely critical period in which puppy should be socialized - MAXIMIZE this time!  Take into account puppy's physical limitations and short attention span.   

Fear Imprint Period (8-11 wks): Experiences a puppy perceives as traumatic during this time are generalized and may affect him all his life. It is a fact that a dog is most likely to develop an avoidance response if subjected to physical or psychological trauma during these four weeks. This period falls within the human imprint period.

Anything that frightens the puppy during this period will have a more lasting effect than if it occurred at any other time. Keep training fun. Use short sessions, and keep all training positive. Gentle guidance and management are essential. Set your puppy up to succeed. This kind of mindset will enable you to be successful, as you continue to socialize your puppy.

Social dominance (10 - 16 weeks): Puppy has been in the home for approximately six weeks. This period is known as the "period of cutting teeth and apron strings." Pups will attempt to clarify and resolve question of leadership. So long as you provide structure, control and leadership, this transition should be relatively painless. 

Flight Instinct Period (4-8 months):

This stage can last from a few days to several weeks and can occur anytime during this period.

A puppy will test its wings.

He may challenge you in an attempt to resolve the question of leadership.

He may not come when called.

He may not play fetch even though he once did.

He will be uncomfortable because his adult teeth are growing in. 

It is because of this stage that prevention over cure is advocated -- you must start socializing and training before now! When you notice a change in your dog during this time, he is probably going through his "flight instinct" period. Like a teenager going through puberty, your puppy is changing physiologically. Your awareness of these changes in behavior will help get you through this commonly difficult period.

This is the time when obedience schools get most of their calls. Puppies that have not been socialized and worked with take a different path in life than pups that have.

Be prepared with appropriate knuckle bones to help with your pup's need to chew. Use a long line in the park if your pup is not coming when called.

Second Fear Period (6-14 mo.)

Corresponds with growth spurts. Therefore it may happen more than once as the puppy matures.

May suddenly be apprehensive about new things or shy or timid of new people or situations. Most of height growing is over, but pup will start to fill out over the coming year.

Puppy begins to mature sexually: male begins to lift leg, and female has first heat period anywhere from 6-12 months. Puppy coat being replaced by adult coat, starting down the spine.

This is a fear of new situations and are handled with the utmost patience. The dog is encouraged to work it out on his own. If anything, it is better to ignore the whole situation than to reinforce the fear by praising the dog or petting him while he is afraid. When you "reassure" a dog with pets and "it's okay, fella", you are telling him it is okay to be frightened and you are creating a potential problem.

If your puppy appears apprehensive, avoid confrontation.

Build confidence through training.

Avoid any potentially overwhelming circumstances you cannot personally oversee, such as shipping your pup in the cargo bay of an airplane.

Maturity (1-4 yrs.):  Refers to sexual maturity as opposed to being full-grown. Smaller dogs mature earlier, larger dogs later. If you were lax in your work earlier on, you may now see the things you have missed: object guarding, unfavorable reactions towards unfamiliar people, animals, or things that your dog missed during the socialization stage. Until this period has been reached, it is recommended that your pup remains crated or the equivilent (structure) when you are not available to supervise his behavior.

You will know when your dog can be trusted by testing him for short periods (10-15 minutes) while you leave the house. If your dog is damaging property while loose, he is not ready. 

Are you done socializing? NO! Like your training efforts, which continue on into adulthood and throughout your dog’s entire life, you are never done with socialization. He still needs to meet and greet people, go places with you, and continue to share your world and your experiences, if you want him to continue to be the happy, friendly dog he is today.