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Linda Arndt ~ Canine Nutritional Consultant
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The Five Critical Periods of Puppy Development

Genetics plays a big role in temperament, but nothing is more important for your puppy's development than the way in which it is handled and socialized during the first 12 weeks of age. This is why buying puppy from a breeder that is not in a rush to get the dog off to the new home, but instead wants the puppy a little longer to make sure it is properly trained and socialized. When breeder wants to get rid of a puppy before 9 weeks of age, I would be very leary and look for another breeder. Our puppies do not leave before 10 weeks of age and often even later, especially if the family is new to owning a Great Dane (Giant Breeds).

Period
Days
Basic
Needs
Mental
Capacity
Trainability
Special Notes
1

0-20 days

1-3 wks

warmth
food
sleep
mother

nearly
zero
none
little or no handling by humans
2
4th
warmth
food
sleep
mother

all senses function

Awareness of living
beings

slight
extreme critical period.

do not remove from litter or mother

human contact should be carefully controlled
3

5-7 wks

 

Canines
Socialization
within litter
_________

Socialization
with humans

Capable of responding to voices

Ability to recognize people

developing
awareness of difference between human and canine
4
8-12 wks

Remove from litter and mother influence

Supervised human socialization

Love / Security

Supervised play with children

Requires new mother image/leader for security

Brain waves can be recorded

Ability to establish
permanent
(wo)man/dog
relationship

Ability to establish confidence

Capable of accepting gentle
discipline

Ability to learn respect

Capable of learning simple responses:
Come, Sit, No, Stay

Begin
Housebreaking

Begins fetch games

Learning by association

children and other animals should not be allowed to scare or hurt puppy

Intro to other humans is impoirtant but must be controlled to minimize adverse conditioning

Exposure to loud noises needs to be introduced gradually:

autos, vacuum, washing maching, etc

5

13-16

wks

Love
Attention
Discipline
Socialization
Security

Fully Developed only needs experience

Will attempt to establish self as dominant being

Mind still being influenced

Capable of undergoing formal obedience training

Capable of adopting a positive or negative attitude toward training

Obedience trainers should be selected with great care,

the puppy's mind is still under the influence.

No heavy handedness.

Praise for correct behavior, oral response is most effective training tool.

Meaningful praise is highly important to shape positive attitude.

HOW TO FEED MY NEW PUPPY - THE BLACKWATCH FEED PROGRAM

MY PUPPY HANDBOOK - HOW TO RAISE MY PUPPY

 

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