Just like a human child develops from a tiny newborn to a toddler, school-going child and later a teenager, so your furchild undergoes some important developmental changes that take him from rambunctious puppy to senior dog.
The first two stages of puppyhood take place in the breeder’s home. You will likely pick up your puppy during the third stage, where you must continue to teach important socialisation lessons. Just like human children, all dogs develop at their own pace. The ages are guidelines.
Let’s take a look at the stages of development.
Stage 1: Puppyhood
The puppy stage is broken down into four phases.
- Neonatal
AGE: 0 to 2 weeks
The puppies are born toothless, functionally deaf and blind. They are able to experience touch and taste, but for everything else they are dependent on their mother for survival. During this time they learn from mom and they learn social skills by interacting with their littermates. This period is centred around food and sleep. The puppies need to both grow and develop. Mom takes care of their hygiene by cleaning them and licking their genitals to stimulate the passing of urine and stool.
- Transitional
AGE: 2 to 4 weeks
The puppies now start to move around the whelping area. By day 10 they are able to crawl around with ease. Their eyes open between eight and 10 days and the ear canals between days 12 and 13, but hearing will continue to develop over the next few months. As they get more mobile, they get more social and start to bark. By the end of this period, they are able to move their bowels themselves. Most breeders start basic toilet training during this period.
- Social
AGE: 4 to 16 weeks
This is one of the most important phases in your puppy’s life. He is busy, playful and will start to look for items to chew. From week four, the puppies need stimulation and socialisation and they will begin an important journey of learning new things. You will likely pick up your puppy from around eight weeks and must continue with the lessons started by the breeder. Your dog needs to experience a myriad of different situations, people and objects during this period so he doesn’t fear them later when he comes into contact with them. Even with socialisation some puppies still go through a difficult fearful stage at around eight to 10 weeks. Be calm and gentle towards your puppy if he struggles in this phase. Learn more about puppy school and its importance on page 74.
- Juvenile
AGE: 14 weeks to 6 months
This stage overlaps with the previous one. Your dog will start to test the waters for his independence – just like a human toddler does. He enjoys plenty of playtime and has oodles of energy. If you were diligent in your socialisation lessons, your dog will be less anxious and more comfortable during this phase. Continue to build on your good foundation and provide plenty of opportunities for learning. Chewing is a major part of this phase. Provide ample chew toys for your puppy. Have dedicated chew toys for him, and don’t let him chew common household items like shoes, as he won’t know the different between the shoe he is allowed to chew and any other shoe that he isn’t.
Stage 2: Adolescent phase
AGE: 6 to 18 months
The onset of puberty. This is usually the most challenging phase for the new pet owner. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to consider spaying or neutering your pet. Hormones kick in and your loveable puppy morphs into a moody teenager! Unspayed females may have a first heat cycle at around six months, but smaller breeds may start earlier. The male dog will also start to lift his leg to urinate. It’s time to start or continue obedience classes with a trainer who practices positive reinforcement training. If you haven’t yet started a daily walk, do so as soon as your dog is comfortable on lead. It helps to work off excess energy. Any untoward behaviour, for example digging in the garden or ripping washing off the line, needs to be swiftly addressed. If you are not sure what to do, consult a qualified behaviourist. More dogs are relinquished to shelters at this stage than at any other.
Stage 3: Adulthood
AGE: Anything from 1 to 3 years
With the right guidance and training provided in the other stages, your dog will now settle into family life as the well-rounded family member you envisioned when you started this journey. You can decide to move on to other activities like various dog sports, cycling or hiking with your dog, or field, tracking or herding trials, depending on your breed. Larger breeds should not be over-exerted while their bones and ligaments are still growing, and experts advise that training for high-impact sports should only commence after 13 or 14 months of age. It is also important to consider your dog’s diet and switch to adult food based on your vet’s advice for your breed.
Stage 4: Senior
AGE: From 7 to 10 years depending on size and breed
Medium and larger breeders will reach this phase earlier than smaller breeds. You will notice that the senior phase is approaching by recognising some physical changes in your dog. His muzzle and the tips of his ears may start to grey and he will likely slow down when it comes to various activities. You may also notice a decline in sight or hearing. Senior pets also tend to sleep more during the day, and your dog may seem a little stiff on waking in the morning. As his metabolism slows down, he may begin to put on weight. It is important to discuss a senior diet with your vet. These are properly balanced to provide additional nutrition for aging bones and joints.
