« Phases of puppy developement » Welcome Guest. Please Login or Register. Nov 23, 2009, 11:19pm

DD'S DOG HOUSE :: Dog Information :: Bringing home a new puppy?? :: Phases of puppy developement Author Topic: Phases of puppy developement (Read 54 times) tinkableu Big Pup member is offline Joined: Aug 2008 Gender: Female Posts: 89 Phases of puppy developement « Thread Started on Aug 22, 2008, 2:54pm » A member from another board posted this and said i could post it here as well... I thought it was some good info.. The first people to write about puppy development were John Scott & J.L. Fuller in the 40's & 50's. Later on, Clarence Pfaffenberger, with his book New Knowledge of Dog Behavior, made these stages know to dog fanciers. He was followed by Jack & Wendy Volhard who are better known for there temperament tests but who also described the critical periods of the dog life in their book Training Your Dog, the Step by Step Manual. Finally, Drs Michael Fox and Ian Dunbar studied canine development based on his clinical and practical experience. According to Pfaffenberger & Volhard, the dog goes through 7 important phases of development. The first 4 phases are the same for every dog, regardless of his/her size or breed. The later stages will occur at a somewhat younger age with a smaller dog. 1. Birth to seven weeks It is essential for the full mental and psychological development of the puppy that he remains with his mother and his litter mates for the first 7 weeks. This is when he learns to identify himself as a dog, proper dog conduct relative to biting, leadership, body posture language, ect....A puppy taken from his mother and adopted before he/she is 7 weeks old usually has some behavior problems and may be more nervous or aggressive toward other dogs. If he is further deprived from contact with other dogs, he might consider himself as a person and refuse to be bred. 2. Socialization period (7-12 weeks) This is the best age to introduce the puppy in a positive way to as many persons, things or noises as possible, especially those which he/she will encounter later in life (persons of different stature or clothing, children, cats, other dogs, vacuums, traffic ect...) At this age, a puppy learns very fast and what he learns, he will retain permanently. From the dogs point of view, this is the best age to go to a new environment since it is at this time that he adapts the most easily to a new situation & forms deep & permanent bonds. 3. Fear imprint period (8-11 weeks) This stage occurs during the socialization period. Traumatic, frightening or painful situations have to be avoided at this age or they tend to give lasting impressions. Surgery, traveling alone on a plane, and rough handling or other possibly traumatic experiences should be avoided at all costs. If the puppy has to go to the vet, he should be handled gently and reassured so this experience remains positive. Some puppies who have had their nails cut too short at this time resent the procedure to the point they panic later on. 4. Seniority period (12-16 weeks) From 12-16 weeks, the puppy tries to determine who will be the pack leader. Him or his owner? Bad habits, especially those showing attempts to dominate such as biting, even in play or biting the leash when walked, have to be strongly discouraged whether on uses positive methods or traditional training. By knowing this period, we can easily understand that contrary to what people may think, serious training should begin at this age. 5. Flight Instinct period (4-8 Months) At this age, the puppy starts to be autonomous and get away from his mother...or his surrogate mother, his owner. He wants to discover the world by himself, to be independent. The wish for independence can have negative impacts. If he realizes that he can win and go his own way when you call him without negative consequences for him, it will be very difficult after wards to train him. That is why traditional puppy classes, it is ofter recommended that the puppy permanently wear a buckle collar attached to a loose 15 foot cord so the puppy never has a chance to disobey when you call him. In Dr. Dunbars Sirius Puppy Training method, recalls with distractions and rewards are used extensively in all kinds of situations. 6. Second fear imprint period (6-14 months) This period is not as critical as the first one. The owner may notice the young dog is reluctant to try something new or is apprehensive toward something he already knows. The owner must reassure the puppy and sometimes go a little backwards in his training so that the puppy gains confidence again. 7. Maturity ( 1-4 Years ) During this stage, the owner will ofter notice that the dog tests his leadership again or starts to become aggressive toward other dogs. Firmness and continued training are essential to maintain proper behavior. « Last Edit: Aug 22, 2008, 2:56pm by tinkableu » Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged Paula and Bruiser Our Dog Space Forum Jump--------------------» Home--------------------» Frequently Asked Questions--------------------- FAQ--------------------» Announcements--------------------- Updates & Suggestions- Rules For DD's Dog House- Introductions- CONTESTS--------------------» General Discussion--------------------- General Topics- Topic of the Week- Doggy Debate--------------------» All About Your Furry Friend--------------------- HOW TO POST PICTURES- Who let the dogs out?- Caught furry handed!- Bark it up- Dog 'Gon to Heaven--------------------» Dog Information--------------------- Bringing home a new puppy??- Dog Health & Care- Doggy Commands - Doggy Bag--------------------» Furry Friends (that aren't dogs)--------------------- It's a jungle out there!--------------------» Random --------------------- Funny Stuff- Games- Funny but Sometimes Obscene Pictures

Contact an Admin for Affiliation codes!

	Web ddsdoghousecom.proboards.com