Developmental Stages of a Puppy

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face" -Ben Williams.

Those of you, who are pet lovers, will agree with me that puppies are a treat to the eyes … I am not exaggerating! They are really cute. Their wobbly walk is sure to make you fall in love with them.

As a sweet little puppy grows, it transforms into a fully-grown dog. It does not toddle any more. It walks with pride, with loyalty towards its master in its eyes and its astounding sense of smell that is its gift from nature. It is suggested that puppies, during their developmental stages, should be socialized with humans and other puppies for their healthy development.

The first stage in the life of a puppy is the neonatal period, which is of the first twelve days of its life. During this period, puppies are influenced by their mothers and remain in her close vicinity. Their vision and their power of hearing are not much developed at this stage. In this very stage, puppy petters are advised to expose puppies to mild physical stress for the development of their brain.

Their second stage of development is marked by the transitional period. It is between a puppy’s ages of thirteen to twenty days. During this stage, the little eyes of a puppy open to see the world they have never seen. It begins to hear and respond to sound. It develops a sense of smell and taste. Teeth start showing their presence. Puppies at this stage walk with a stumble! Studies show that a puppy that is made to stay with the litter after the eighth week of its ages does not grow into an emotionally healthy dog.

During its socialization period, a puppy takes to its species-specific activities. It learns to play, socialize with others. It becomes inquisitive and starts exploring its surroundings. Puppies begin to develop skills that bring in refinement to their personalities. Studies say that anything that affrights a puppy during its ages of eight to eleven weeks leaves a long lasting impact on its mind.

Twelve to sixteen weeks of age is the seniority classification stage in the life of a puppy. Biting, challenging and testing its master characterize this developmental stage. It tries to express dominance and seniority. This can be the time to train the puppy to respond to your commands.

Next stage in a puppy’s growth is called the flight instinct period. During this period, puppies feel independent, unrestricted. They feel like remaining ‘on their own’. Between its ages of six to fourteen months, feelings of timidity may newly appear in a puppy. Puppies mature sexually. Their so-called puppy coat is replaced by an adult coat. By now they have obtained their adult teeth, their growth in height has completed and they are almost adult dogs. A puppy that has grown to an age of one to four years is a fully-grown dog!

Puppies’ growth to mature dogs needs attention and care. Their growth consists of physical as well as their emotional development. Puppies, like the offspring of human beings, require love and care for their healthy development. We, as puppy tamers must cater to the puppy's needs of security and socialization to expect well-developed dogs to emerge out of the young ones.