The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, especially for dogs. The fact is,
well-socialized dogs are more likely to have well-socialized puppies.
Pups often mirror their mothers' calm or fearful attitude toward people;
this is a normal part of their socialization. But you can play a vital role,
too, by petting, talking, and playing with puppy to help him develop
good "people skills."  

Puppies are usually weaned at six to seven weeks, but are still
learning important skills as their mother gradually leaves them for
longer periods of time. Ideally, puppies should stay with their
littermates (or other "role-model" dogs) for at least 7-8 weeks.  

Puppies separated from their littermates too early often fail to develop
appropriate "social skills," such as learning how to send and receive
signals, what an "inhibited bite" (acceptable mouthing pressure)
means, how far to go in play-wrestling, and so forth. Play is important
for puppies because it increases their physical coordination, social
skills, and learning limits. By interacting with their mother and
littermates, puppies explore the ranking process ("who's in charge")
and also learn "how to be a dog."  

Skills not acquired during the first eight weeks may be lost forever.
While these stages are important and fairly consistent, a dog's mind
remains receptive to new experiences and lessons well beyond
puppyhood. Most dogs are still puppies, in mind and body, through
the first two years of life.  

Here are general guidelines for puppies' stages of development

Birth to Two Weeks: Neonatal Period Puppy is most influenced by his
mother.  Senses of touch and taste are present at birth.

Two to Four Weeks: Transitional Period
Puppy is most influenced by his mother and litter mates. Eyes open,
teeth begin to come in, and senses of hearing and smell develop.  
Puppy begins to stand, walk a little, wag tail, and bark.  By the fourth
or fifth week, eyesight is well-developed.

Three to Twelve Weeks: Socialization Period
During this period, puppy needs opportunities to meet other dogs and
people. By 3 to 5 weeks, puppy becomes aware of his surroundings,
companions (both canine and human), and relationships, including
play.  By 4 to 6 weeks, puppy is most influenced by litter mates and is
learning about being a dog. From 4 to 12 weeks, puppy remains
influenced by litter mates and is also influenced by  people.  
Puppy learns to play, develops social skills, learns the inhibited bite,
explores social  structure/ranking, and improves physical coordination.
By 5 to 7 weeks, puppy develops curiosity and explores new
experiences. Puppy needs positive "people" experiences during this
time.  House training begins. By 7 to 9 weeks, puppy is refining his
physical skills and coordination, Puppy has full use of senses.  
By 8 to 10 weeks, puppy experiences real fear involving normal objects
and experiences;  puppy  needs positive training during this time.  
By 9 to 12 weeks, puppy is refining reactions, developing social skills
with litter mates  (appropriate interactions), and exploring the
environment and objects. Puppy begins to focus on people; this is a
good time to begin training.

Three to Six Months: Ranking Period  
Puppy is most influenced by "playmates," which may now include
those of other species.  Puppy begins to see and use ranking
(dominance and submission) within the household (the puppy's
"pack"), including humans.  Puppy begins teething (and associated
chewing).  At 4 months of age, puppy experiences another fear stage.

Six to Eighteen Months: Adolescence  
Puppy is most influenced by human and dog "pack" members.  
At seven to nine months, puppy goes through a second chewing
phase, part of exploring  territory. Puppy increases exploration of
dominance, including challenging humans.  If not spayed or neutered,
puppy experiences beginnings of sexual behavior.

Copyright © 2004 The Humane Society of the United States.
Welcome to the Cockapoos of
D J B Kennels
Jennie Shumpert                                
West Columbia, SC                          803-960-1949                      E-Mail   jennie@djbkennels.com
This site is owned by Jennie Shumpert.  No material in this site may be
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November, 2007
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Twelve Steps To A Happy Healthy Puppy