CPDT-KA Stages of Puppy Development
Neonatal (birth - 2 weeks) - answerBorn essentially blind & deaf. Can see light/dark, can
hear muffled sounds, can feel, taste and smell. Born toothless. Unable to regulate body
temperature. Reliant on litter mates and Mom for warmth. Mom must lick pups to
stimulate urination and defecation.
Between 7-14 days, eyes and ears open. Senses improve.
Puppy becomes progressively more aware of his environment
Transitional Period (2-3 weeks) - answerPuppies begin to explore and establish social
relationships with each other.
Mobility begins to increase
Socialization (3-13 weeks) - answerPuppies continue learning about the world around
them, interacting with litter mates and mom, learning about humans. Learning about
sights, sounds, smells, textures of the world.
Important that Puppy has positive encounters with new things so he's learning that the
world is interesting and not scary.
*Note - the socialization window does NOT slam shut at 13 weeks. It's an ongoing
process that continues for the life of the dog. USE IT OR LOSE IT. But early
experiences do shape the dog's opinions about the world in which it lives.
Adolescence (13 weeks - 3 years) - answerhormonal changes (even if neutered),
growth spurts, behavioral changes are often seen during this time. Training sometimes
slides if not done consistently. Young puppy problems tend to manifest into major
problems (e.g. jumping, barking, destructiveness, fear/insecurity)
Continued positive socialization and training can avoid onset of fear issues (fear imprint
period)
Adulthood - answerDog is full grown, filled out to adult size and weight. Hormones level
off.
Neonatal (birth - 2 weeks) - answerBorn essentially blind & deaf. Can see light/dark, can
hear muffled sounds, can feel, taste and smell. Born toothless. Unable to regulate body
temperature. Reliant on litter mates and Mom for warmth. Mom must lick pups to
stimulate urination and defecation.
Between 7-14 days, eyes and ears open. Senses improve.
Puppy becomes progressively more aware of his environment
Transitional Period (2-3 weeks) - answerPuppies begin to explore and establish social
relationships with each other.
Mobility begins to increase
Socialization (3-13 weeks) - answerPuppies continue learning about the world around
them, interacting with litter mates and mom, learning about humans. Learning about
sights, sounds, smells, textures of the world.
Important that Puppy has positive encounters with new things so he's learning that the
world is interesting and not scary.
*Note - the socialization window does NOT slam shut at 13 weeks. It's an ongoing
process that continues for the life of the dog. USE IT OR LOSE IT. But early
experiences do shape the dog's opinions about the world in which it lives.
Adolescence (13 weeks - 3 years) - answerhormonal changes (even if neutered),
growth spurts, behavioral changes are often seen during this time. Training sometimes
slides if not done consistently. Young puppy problems tend to manifest into major
problems (e.g. jumping, barking, destructiveness, fear/insecurity)
Continued positive socialization and training can avoid onset of fear issues (fear imprint
period)
Adulthood - answerDog is full grown, filled out to adult size and weight. Hormones level
off.
