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Learn the Puppy Stages of Development

Puppies, just like children, will go through various development stages.

Stage 1 is one that you probably won’t see unless you are breeding puppies yourself. This is traditionally called the transitional stage of 2 to 3 weeks of age. Puppies start to realize what is going on in the world around them. They’ll start to respond to light, movement and sounds. They become more mobile and start moving around in their new home.

Stage 2 is also a stage that you probably won’t see unless you are breeding puppies. This is from about 3 to 4 weeks of age where your puppy is fully alert, recognizes his new family, and learns how to be a dog.

Stage 3 is still a very young puppy. From 4-7 weeks of age, your puppy learns social interaction with his/her littermates. He/she starts to learn what time mom will come around to feed them. They will learn what time you will usually come visit. This is the most optimum time of your puppy’s life in learning how to be a dog.

Stage 4 is the stage at which most new puppy owners will get to take their puppies home. This spans 8 weeks to 3 months. This is most likely to be your puppy’s fearful stage. Don’t be surprised if the puppy is easily frightened and may even wet him or herself when startled. They may start to learn some simple, basic commands like sit, come, stay, and down and you can finally start leash training. Your puppy needs human interaction a lot during this stage. Human interaction will help the puppy form essential relationships in how to deal with humans.

Stage 5 is the juvenile stage is 3 months to 4 months. The puppy learns to be more independent and may even ignore commands that he/she has just learned. It is best to reinforce those commands firmly and gently. Play with the puppy frequently! He/she needs your attention and will want to try to play fight with you. You really do not want to encourage play fighting, however. Play fighting will teach your puppy that he/she is allowed to fight with you and this is not acceptable.

Stage 6 is the brat stage of 4-6 months. Your puppy will probably go through a teething period where he/she is going to chew on things. Divert your puppy’s attention by providing appropriate teething toys - things he/she is allowed to chew. He/she may try to buck against your authority but you must retain your authority over the puppy.

Stage 7 transitions your puppy from a puppy into an adult. This spans 6 to 18 months, but some breeds of dog may stay in puppy stage longer. Keep in mind that your puppy is still young, despite how fast he/she is growing up or how big he/she gets. You still need to remember that his/her brain is still developing and you need to have realistic expectations for what your puppy can do or understands. Allow him/her more social interaction if you can - this helps him to maintain good behavior around strangers and other animals.

That’s it!