Puppy Phases
/There are very few experiences as joyful as bringing a new puppy into your family’s life. The experience can also be traumatic if you are not properly prepared and equipped. To better understand your puppy’s needs, it is helpful to get familiar with the developmental phases of a puppy’s life. A loving, joyous relationship with a well adjusted, friendly dog should be your goal. With guidance and training it becomes possible for your new baby to grow into the perfect adult dog.
7 to 10 Weeks of Age
Congratulations! You have a new baby. It is important to understand a 7 – 10 week old pup is a BABY. Physically your pup will have been weaned from his mother. Motor skills will still be developing, so he’ll be a little clumsy, but his nervous system will be almost fully developed. With good crate training techniques, your new puppy will be gaining bladder and bowel control and he will begin sleeping through the night. Many pups experience a fear period between 8 and 10 weeks, making it critical that you utilize gentle, motivational based training techniques. Begin teaching simple commands and tricks, this is the time to teach your puppy how to learn. Bond with your puppy and treasure every moment of the baby phase, it will be over in a flash.
Here are a few products that will help you through the early puppy phase; a faux sherling crate pad that will wick moisture away from your puppy and keep him clean and warm. Learn how to housetrain your puppy with our favorite book Way to Go,by Dr. Patricia McConnell. There will be a few “accidents”, an enzymatic cleaner will handle the clean-up quickly and effectively. Safe, quality chews along with lots and lots of toys will occupy the puppy and buy you some peace and quiet. Come in and visit with our staff. We have a practical list of supplies that will make raising your new puppy simpler.
11 to 16 Weeks of Age
This is the juvenile puppy phase when your puppy will continue to physically develop and become more independent. Your puppy will be a learning sponge so train and socialize. Many veterinarians will recommend that you DON’T get your puppy out and about until all of the puppy shots have been given. However, veterinary behaviorists see the first 5 months of a puppy’s life as a critical socialization period and recommend safely socializing the new pup from the second you bring him home. (http://www.4pawsu.com/vaccinations.htm)
By four months your puppy should be taking responsibility for housetraining. They are mentally mature enough to tell you they need to go out – come in and check out Poochie Bells as a way for your pup to tell you they have to go. (http://poochie-pets.net/Training.html)
Keep training and don’t forget about dog tricks. To your puppy, whether it’s “sit”, “down”, “come” or “high five”, it’s all dog tricks. When you teach tricks, there are smiles on people’s faces - much more fun for the dog. And continue to play with your puppy. Toys are very important to a puppy – most behaviorists recommend only keeping a few toys out at one time and changing the toy selection everyday. If a toy has been put away for a few days, it will be new and exciting to the puppy.
4 to 6 Months
Teething, teething, teething. Your puppy will be looking for things to chew for relief of pain and pressure. During this period there may be days when your pup doesn’t want to eat because his mouth hurts. And there will be days when he fights you on the leash. On those days, his glands may be swollen and pressure on the collar will hurt. Even though he may act like piranha pooch and a complete brat, be understanding. Teething is painful.
As your puppy approaches 6 months you may begin to see slight hormonal changes. Your veterinarian may begin to pressure you about neutering and spaying. Please educate yourself regarding this option. There is a great deal of research that supports waiting to neuter and spay. (http://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html)
This is the period to invest in lots of quality chews, frozen treats, stuffed kongs and toys. Continue training and play with your puppy!
6 to 24 Months
This is a wonderful time in your dog’s life. You’ve done your job and he’s reliably housetrained, well-socialized and nicely trained with good dog manners. Be realistic with your expectations, he may look like an adult dog but he’s still a puppy. Increase your dog’s activities and training. Check out your local training centers and learn about all the great dog sports – agility, obedience, freestyle, nosework, rally-o, tracking. . . just to name a few.
There will be a second teething period during this time period. This particular teething period is often overlooked and people think their pups are just being naughty as they destroy the kitchen woodwork. Between the ages of 9 months to 18 months, your pup’s teeth will be calcifying into the jaw. This can be a very painful time and can be intermittent for up to 18 months. You will see your dog looking for hard things to chew.
Congratulations! You’ve raised a healthy, well-adjusted dog. By doing your work in the beginning of your puppy’s life, you will set them up for a lifetime of being a canine good citizen.
