The Seasons of Puppyhood Paula Bergeron Why experiencing behavioral changes in your puppy is normal

The Seasons of Puppyhood

Why experiencing behavioral changes in your puppy is normal.

Paula Bergeron - Grafton, NH

Puppies: just the word conjures up images of adorable antics enacted by little fuzzy, milkbreathed creatures who fill our lives with innocence and love. In the real world, however, puppies can also be leaky, loud, razor-toothed, energetic, destructive trouble makers who can exhaust our last ounce of patience. What can be frustrating is that just when we think we have a routine in place that keeps our homes safe and our puppies satisfied, a whole new set of behaviors emerge and the old routine gets tossed out on its head. Here are some comments I commonly hear from frustrated puppy owners during the first 1 1/2 years of their lives. “Why is my puppy suddenly barking at EVERYTHING?” “He used to always come when I called and now just looks at me and then runs away.” “I think he just wants to make me mad” “She was such a sweet puppy but now she won’t stop jumping and biting me.” “My dog stares straight at me and barks and barks like he is demanding something.” “My pup is suddenly afraid of everything.” “My puppy used to play well with other dogs but now is lunging and barking whenever we go on walks.” What most of us are not aware of is that the changes we see in our puppies are not only normal but are a necessary and predictable part of their physical, emotional, and behavioral growth. These changes have been identified as Stages of Puppy Behavioral Development and can help us understand what to expect and how to handle the needs of our growing puppies.

(There are many variations of this developmental guide, I have compiled here a very general outline. For more detailed information, research the stages of puppy development) Stage One 0-8 Weeks Puppies are learning how to have good social interactions from their mother, and littermates. Pups learn how to ask for attention and play, how to show submission, they learn bite inhibition, and gain confidence around other dogs. If you have gotten a puppy that was taken before 8 weeks from their mother, you may and probably will find your puppy lacking in confidence and the ability to interact well with other dogs. If you are not in a time in your life where you can dedicate time and energy for rehabilitation do not take puppies before those 8 weeks, but if you do be prepared that remedial support will more than likely be in your future.

Stage Two 8-10 Weeks The fear period. Negative experiences during this time can become “hard-wired” into your pup’s life. For example, a fearful introduction to water could cause your pup to forever fear going swimming or getting a bath. It is important during this stage to introduce new activities carefully, keep them fun, don’t be too demanding, and don’t soothe a frightened puppy. Be the source of courage and shift your puppy’s reaction from fear to fun if they become started by new environments, people, dogs, or activities.

Stage Three 3-6 Months Puppies at this stage rely on us and want to stick close. This is a great time to concentrate on training as it can feel easy because your puppy is focused on you. Take advantage of their need to stick close and reward coming when called as they will most likely do it automatically. However, as your pup moves towards the 6-month mark they begin to move away from this stage and you can experience that scary event when your pup does not come back when you call. This is not your pup being naughty, it is your pup beginning to have their own desires to explore and experience the world outside of their human. I recommend that all puppies drag a leash at this stage because we never know when this independent spirit might kick in and leave you trying to catch a determined pup who is off to explore the world.

Stage Four 6-12 Months Ok, Strap yourselves in for this stage. This is one of the more challenging periods. Your pup has developed boundless energy, has become more independent, and the genetics of their breed specific characteristics have more influence on their behavior. You may suddenly see your pup begin to dig, herd, nip at heels, guard you, run in circles, chase birds, etc…. Their breed(s) comes to life, and the drive to fulfill their breed(s) will outweigh some of the training you have already completed. DON’T DESPAIR. Now is the time to practice your deep breathing and retrace your training steps to help your pup remember what seemed like a done deal just a short few months ago. Continue to provide adequate exercise, structure, and boundaries. Understand your dog is going to be more headstrong and will test your patience. This won’t last forever, expect some set backs, and allow for mistakes. On the positive side, look to see what fun can emerge from their new breed specific drives and talents.

Stage Five 1-1 1/2 Years Your

puppy is now emerging into their adult body and mind. They have come into their sexual maturity and will begin to explore where they stand in the social order of your family. It is time to be clear that they are a loved member but you are in charge of the safety and well-being of the pack. Structure, routine, boundaries, adequate exercise, and fulfillment of their breed characteristics are now important to establish a lifetime of good behavior. Know that by age three there tends to be a lessening of excitement and energy, and an even larger lessening of energy at age 5. But for now your puppy has entered the prime of his active life, so get ready to have and provide fun.

The stages of puppyhood flow from 0 to the second year of life. Understand that what we do during these stages will affect the kind of dog we live with for the next 8 to 15 plus years. So get ready for an active 1 1/2 years and be prepared as your pup grows from dependent to curious to an active dog to support the stages of their behavioral development.