Critical Stages in A Dogs Life

Here are the periods in a dogs life per se. I hope this will help you in your understanding and training! Have fun!

Keep in mind that all dogs are individuals and don't read books so some of the timing for fear periods can be off. 

Neonatal: Birth to 12 days (Obtain nutrition and stay warm) 

Transition: 13-20 days (Eyes open but not seeing well until 21 days, puppy can crawl backwards and forwards now, begins to walk, first teeth “may” erupt around 20 days, tail wagging begins, reacts to sounds around 19 days but cannot locate source, moves bowels without stimulation.) 

Awareness: 21-28 days (First week puppy is able to use sight and hearing. This change happens abruptly so a stable environment at this period is critical. Can psychologically scar puppies if moved to new location. Pups have greatest need for mother and familiarity at this time. Learning begins in this stage, it is time to begin learning what it means to be a dog.) 

Canine Socialization: 21-49 days (3 to 7 weeks) (Puppy learns to use species specific behaviors that make him a dog. Practices body postures, facial expressions, and vocalizations and learns their effects on siblings. Plays chase games to learn coordination and timing, greeting behaviors to learn body postures and fight games teach him use of his body. Learns to accept discipline during this time from his mother. Learns bite inhibitions and weaning. Mother dogs set up the puppies for these lessons. Very important to let mother dog stay with pups to teach these lessons.) 

Human Socialization: 7 to 12 weeks (Best time for bringing pup to new home. Best time to introduce pup to things (in a positive manner) that he will be exposed to. Brain waves are same as an adult dog at this age. Most rapid learning occurs. LEARNING AT THIS AGE IS PERMANENT. )

First Fear Impact: 8-11 weeks (Any traumatic, painful or frightening experience at this time will have a more lasting effect on the puppy then if the event happened at any other time. Puppies perception of the event is important not owners. NO elective surgery should be done at this time. Puppy classes at this age need to be non-stressful for pup.) 

Seniority Classification: 13-16 weeks ( Also known as age of cutting teeth and apron strings. Pup begins testing to see who is going to be pack leader. From 13 weeks on if puppy attempts to bite even in play it is an attempt to dominate. Pup is attempting to clarify and resolve the question of leadership. Establishing rules for pup extremely important at this time.)