Weeks 1 & 2
During the first 10 to 15 days the puppies cannot see, hear or regulate their own body temperature. They are totally dependent on their dam and their environment for warmth, nutrition and stimulation. They spend most of their time each day nursing which, with larger litters means mom is always in the box constantly nursing and cleaning her pups. They require stimulation to urinate or defecate. We interact with the puppies mostly through Early Neurological Stimulation. Feel free to learn about what we are doing at this website: http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/articles/early_neurological_stimulation_en.php
Week 3
Now their eyes are open so that they can see. Their ears are open so they can hear. They can regulate their own body temperature. They can pee and poop on their own without stimulation. Basically, they are born! They begin to teeth, walk, stumble, play and bark. They become a little less dependent on their dam now but she is typically still their primary source for nutrition. She still cleans them and their environment. We now interact with them much, much more. We talk to them, hold them, coo at them. We also begin to expose them to different surfaces and sounds. The goal is to provide them with nurturing human contact and love. Even the most social mother will probably be concerned and stressed by having ‘strangers’ near her puppies. See the Rule of Seven Below.
Week 4
The puppies are walking, trotting, barking, playing and becoming less startled by noise and visual sights. Their mom is completely in the picture but her time away is increased by her choice. She is still their sole source of nutrition & she still cleans them and their environment but her concern for them is a little less. They are able to endure environmental changes that are more drastic. They can be outside to play during some of the warmer parts of the day or be around areas in our home that are more active. We’ve increased sound, texture and surface socialization. Their toys are being rotated more frequently as well as having some new, larger toys. They are able to climb on things and spend more time awake, playing. They respond to our voices and move toward us when we are close. They are just about ready to meet people other than their primary care takers
Week 5
They are such adventuresome & alert little dogs! Mom is beginning to distance herself by leaving them now for a couple of hours at a time. All of the previous socializations continue to be worked on by our interactions with the pups and their playtimes. At this age they have become more comfortable with normal day-to-day sounds and have had exposure to several surfaces. Their coordination is improving. They are less fearful of things they do not know and although the safety of the ‘pack’ is still very important, they become less and less dependent on each other. They still can be commonly found in a pile for warmth and comfort, which is an important time. They are beginning to navigate stairs, climb on toys and repeat things. They are still nursing and mom is still cleaning them. They are eating twice a day (seriously eating, not just snacking). It is not a good time during this period to separate a puppy from its litter for any prolonged period of time. It is definitely not time for them to leave the pack and go to a new home.
Week 6
This week begins independent thinking. They still learn from watching each other but they also begin to think for themselves. They will go off in their own direction more, race up and down steps, ramps, dig, climb, play in a bucket of water intentionally and many other things. Their mom is still in the picture, cleaning and nursing but spending more time away from them, than with them. They eat two meals a day. They are showing an almost completely diminished sensitivity to sounds. They are exploring new surfaces without hesitancy. They are venturing out further from the ‘pack area’ a little more typically in smaller groups but they are still pack oriented. They physically look like they are capable and independent but they are still very dependent on the pack and this is not a good time for them to venture to a new home.
Week 7
They are still becoming even more independent but really need the interaction of the pack during this age for socialization & comfort. This week is very important & a great time to begin training. They show the ability to learn through repetition & are ready for conditioning for the big move to a new home. They have at least one meal a day in their ‘own bowl’. They are able to spend short periods of time away from the pack, which enables me to see more of their personality. Mom spends less time with them now by her choice but they still nurse at least twice each day. She will still correct them if they are out of line. I do not recommend it but some puppies may be ready to move on at this age.
Weeks 8 – 12
The pups are continuing to explore the world around them and they are very comfortable with many different areas and situations. It is time for them to become a member of a new pack. When they are in their new home, they will start to assess their position in their family. This is still a time f great growth and they are very eager to learn. This is a time where they will form strong impressions of people, objects and their meanings. It is important that they experience and enjoy a large variety of new situations, including a puppy playgroup. They will, as an individual, continue to learn through play and will have to learn “human games” as well. This is not the time to keep your puppy at home but please remember use caution with where you take your puppy for health reasons. It is equally important that they go places though. You should take them for car rides each day, take them to an office, visit a friend at work, etc. You can pass them around from person to person and let them experience life. Make sure that they are at least going to one to place each week and continue to revisit places they have already been. Each day is a new day and each day should be an opportunity for a new experience.
Juvenile Period 3-6 months
During this period of life they continue to learn from experiences and will become more and more independent. They are able to cope with being alone for longer periods of time but social stimulation with strangers and other pups is needed as much as the need to have quiet time at home. Physically you will notice a lot of changes. For example, their size is greatly increased, they can go for longer walks and once they have all their vaccinations, they are able to explore even more. They are teething, loosing teeth and getting new teeth in. Doing obedience training at this age can take on new dimensions but I always prefer to do obedience though positive reinforcement. Making corrections is also an important factor during this time & teaching good recall, including staying in close, is important. It is okay to wander out and be independent but it is also important that they learn to come which is best taught off by working off leash.
Adolescent Period 6 months – 1-year/18 months
The pups are teenagers at this age. This is not a good time to become complacent regarding training or manners. They are becoming more independent and testing their position in the pack with both other pets and humans. They become sexually mature. Bitches will have their first estrus cycle and dogs will develop a truly biological interest in the opposite sex. Adult molars, which have erupted, are growing and they have a strong desire to chew. This is a time of testing, testing your abilities. This is when most pups become challenging, even if they have been handled well. If the ground rules have been calmly and gently but firmly set up during the earlier stages, this time will be far easier to work through.
Maturity 2 years & Beyond
Welcome to DOGHOOD! Basic character has been established. Behavior patters can continue to be refined for a few years, ‘an old dog can be taught new tricks’. They are still able to learn new things and you should continue to help him experience new challenges but they will be less flexible in some areas. This is the time when all of the work put in during the growing years will pay off and you can relax a little bit. Enjoy life with a well-rounded, happy adult dog!
THE RULE OF SEVENS
By the time a puppy is 7 weeks old, it should have:
1) Been on 7 Different Surfaces
a. Carpet, Concrete, Wood, Vinyl, Grass, Dirt, Gravel, Wood Chips, Newspaper, Etc.
2) Played with 7 Different Types of Objects
a. Big Balls, Small Balls, Soft Fabric Toys, Fuzzy Balls, Squeaky Toys, Metal Items, Wooden Items, Paper/Cardboard Items, Milk/Soda Jugs, Etc.
3) Been in 7 Different Locations
a. Front Yard, Back Yard, Basement, Kitchen, Car, Garage, Laundry Room, Bathroom, Crate, Kennel, Etc.
4) Been exposed to 7 Challenges
a. Climbed a Box, Climbed Off a Box, Go Through a Tunnel, Climbed Up Steps, Climbed Down Steps, Climbed Over Obstacles, Played Hide & Seek, Go In & Out Doorway With a Step, Etc.
5) Eaten from 7 Different Containers
a. Metal, Plastic, Cardboard, Paper, China, Pie Plate, Frying Pan, Etc.
6) Eaten in 7 Different Locations
a. Crate, Yard, Kitchen, Basement, Laundry Room, Bathroom, Pen, Etc.
7) Met and Played with 7 new people: including children & the elderly
I hope that you have enjoyed this little tutorial of puppy hood to dog hood!
