Puppy Development Stages

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Puppy Development

Originally posted by feminvstr and written by The Humane Society of the United States

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 littermates.

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 three to five weeks, puppy becomes aware of his surroundings, companions (both canine and human), and relationships, including play.

By four to six weeks, puppy is most influenced by littermates and is learning about being a dog.

From four to twelve weeks, puppy remains influenced by littermates 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 five to seven weeks, puppy develops curiosity and explores new experiences. Puppy needs positive "people" experiences during this time.

By seven to nine weeks, puppy is refining his physical skills and coordination, and can begin to be housetrained. Puppy has full use of senses.

By eight to ten weeks, puppy experiences real fear involving normal objects and experiences; puppy needs positive training during this time.

By nine to twelve weeks, puppy is refining reactions, developing social skills with littermates (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 four 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.