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Surviving The Puppy Stage - Birth To 9 MonthsSo what we'll do here is break it down into several age intervals. That way you'll know what to expect, and what your pet is learning and doing along the way. Armed with this information you'll make it through the puppy stage that much easier. And you won't get overly frustrated when things are not going exactly as you plan at each stage of puppy development. 0 to 7 Weeks: Unless you are a breeder, you should not even own a puppy this age. During this time he's experiencing his environment. He is ears and eyes are excited by the world around him. It's also a strong socialization period which is why he should remain with his mother and litter mates. These bonds lead to a well-adjusted temperment. By day 10, he should be experiencing the touch of human hands and be comfortable with it. These first 7 weeks are critical for his physical and emotional growth. The mother passes on about 75% of her temperment to her pups. If she is calm, she will have a calming influence on a hyper puppy. The mother also passes natural antibiotics to the puppy through her milk during this time. 8 to 12 Weeks: Puppies during the third month absorb everything around them like a sponge. They will be curious and anxious to learn to play. As a new owner, it's time for puppy kindergarten. But more important than training is creating confidence. Training should be fun and not overly strict or aggressive. Any negative experiences at this age can create impressions and behavior that will last a lifetime. Keep in mind that this is a very impressionable puppy stage, so be positive when playing or working with your pet. Doing so will help him develop positive patterns in his behavior. 3 1/2 to 4 Months: Puppies are now starting to lose their baby teeth. With physical growth there is a hormone surge now affecting his behavor. That means if your puppy was hyper to begin with, he'll be about 30% more hyper during this period. If he is shy, he'll be even more shy. During this puppy stage you want to keep a consistent training schedule. 4 to 5 Months: Now is the age when you will feel baffled over your dog's behavior. He'll be housebroken one day, then urinate all over the floor the next. Realize he is not being defiant at this puppy stage so avoid punishment. They are getting a surge of hormones which confuses them. Step back, and reinforce the housebreaking patterns you have already learned. 5 to 6 1/2 Months: It's during the fifth month that your puppy will go through a noticeable growth spurt. Some people think they can slow this by spaying or neutering during this puppy stage, but it doesn't help. They will go through this transitional phase. 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 Months: Take a brief sigh of relief because your puppy will start to settle down. Notice I said brief, this doesn't last. 8 to 9 Months: Your puppy is experiencing his final hormonal surge and turns into an amatuer magician. Things around your house, the television remote for example, will begin to disappear. As a pet owner, this may very well be your most challenging puppy stage. Your dog's natural temperment will increase. He'll be about 50% more shy, hyper or aggressive. Male dogs will start to lift their legs when urinating. All the training you have done to this point will seem to go for naught. You'll likely get panicky and frustrated because you think he should know better. He does know better. Keep on with the consistant training and you'll come out of this final stage just fine. Now you've survived the puppy stage at every stage of puppy development. No, your pet is not a full adult, but you are well on you way to having a loving and loyal companion and friend for a long time to come.
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