A dog has ten clear stages of psychological development which effects how it interacts with people and other animals and controls it’s behavior in situations dependent on its age. Puppies develop through clearly recognizable stages, each one being characterized by certain behavior patterns and emotional reactions. These have been called The Ten Stages.
1. PRE-NATAL PERIOD
Environmental factors that effect the mother also effect the subsequent development of the puppies mind. Good care for the mother is critical.
2. NEO-NATAL PERIOD ( 0-2 weeks )
Pups send 90% of their time asleep. The hearing, vision and temperature regulation are underdeveloped and pups brain is barely myelinated. Mother’s behavior greatly influences the pups behavior in later life.
3. TRANSITIONAL PERIOD (2-4 weeks)
During this period, the sensory abilities come on line, the eyelids open and the first set of teeth appear, the dog will wage his tail and bark for the first time, at this time the littermates play a much more important role.
4. SOCIALIZATION PERIOD ( to dogs- 4-6 weeks / To dogs and humans 4-12 weeks )
From 3.5 weeks the pups begin to interact playfully. The facial expressiveness of the puppy at five weeks contrasts the appearance of the puppy at three weeks. This is due to the development of expressive ear movements, elongation of the muzzle and the improved functions of the muscles that control the lips.
At 4-5 weeks of age, puppies frequently carry small objects in their mouths and engage in tugs of war. A defensive protective pattern emerges, in which a pup vigorously guards an object or food. Several puppies may follow one litter mate who is carrying something in its mouth. These are the first signs of co-ordinated group activity, or pack performance and dominant and submissive behavior.
This is the optimum time for the dog to establish social relations with other dogs, humans and other specie.
Scott and Fuller describe this period as a special time in life when a small amount of experience will produce a great effect on later behavior.
5. FIRST FEAR IMPACT PERIOD (8-11 weeks)
Any traumatic experience will have a lasting impact on the puppy now more than any other time in its life.
6. JUVENILE PERIOD (12 weeks to maturity)
7. SENIORITY CLASSIFICATION PERIOD (4-5 months)
8. FLIGHT INSTINCT PERIOD (4-8 month)
9. SECOND FEAR IMPACT (6-14 weeks)
10. MATURITY (1-3 years)
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