The 7 Stages of Puppy Development
In order to understand why your puppy doesn't listen to you at times, you need to understand each stage of development a puppy goes through as it matures.Let's take a look at the different stages, but before we do, keep in mind that these stages are generalizations ? each dog will progress at its own pace.Stage 1: The Transitional Stage2-3 WeeksThe Transitional stage generally lasts from age two to three weeks, and it's during this time that your puppy's eyes will open, and he'll slowly start to respond to light and movement and sounds around him. He'll become a little more mobile during this period, trying to get his feet underneath him and crawling around in the box (or wherever home is.) He'll start to recognize mom and his littermates, and any objects you might place in the box.Stage 2: The Almost Ready To Meet The World Stage3-4 WeeksThe Almost ready to meet the world stage lasts from 3 to about 4 weeks, and your puppy undergoes rapid sensory development during this time. Fully alert to his environment, he'll begin to recognize you and other family members. It's best to avoid loud noises or sudden changes during this period ? negative events can have a serious impact on his personality and development right now. Puppies learn how to be a dog during this time, so it's essential that they stay with mom and littermates.Stage 3: The Overlap Stage4-7 WeeksFrom 3-4 weeks your puppy begins the most critical social development period of his life ? he learns social interaction with his littermates, learns how to play and learns bite inhibition.He'll also learn discipline at this point ? Mom will begin weaning the pups around this time, and will start teaching them basic manners, including accepting her as the leader of the pack.
You can begin to introduce food to the pups starting around the 4th week ? transition gradually as Mom weans them.Continue handling the pups daily, but don't separate them from either Mom or litter mates for more than about 10 minutes per day. Puppies that are removed from the nest too early frequently are nervous, more prone to barking and biting and have a more difficult time with socialization and training. Puppies need to be left with Mom and siblings until at least 7 weeks of age - and preferably a little longer - for optimum social development.Experts say that the best time in a puppy's life to learn social skills is between 3 and 16 weeks of age ? that's the window of opportunity you have to make sure your puppy grows up to be a well-adjusted dog. It's extremely important to leave your puppy with Mom and his littermates during as much of this period as possible. Don't discipline for play fighting, housebreaking mistakes or mouthing ? that's all normal behavior for a puppy at this stage.Stage 4: The "I'm Afraid of Everything" Stage8 Weeks to 3 MonthsThe "I'm Afraid of Everything" Stage lasts from about 8 weeks to 3 months, and is characterized by rapid learning as well as a "fearful period" that usually pops up at around 8 to 10 weeks.
Not all dogs experience this, but most do, and they'll appear terrified over things that they took in stride before. This is not a good time to engage in harsh discipline (not that you ever should anyway!), loud voices or traumatic events.At this time your puppy's bladder and bowels are starting to come under much better control, and he's capable of sleeping through the night. (At last, you can get some rest!) You can begin teaching simple commands like: come, sit, stay, down, etc. Leash training can begin. It's important not to isolate your puppy from human contact at this time, as he'll continue to learn behaviors and manners that will affect him in later years.Stage 5: The Juvenile Stage3 Months to 4 MonthsThe Juvenile stage typically lasts from 3 to 4 months of age, and it's during this time your puppy is most like a toddler.
He'll be a little more independent - he might start ignoring the commands he's only recently learned ? just like a child does when they're trying to exert their new-found independence. As in "I don't have to listen to you!" Firm and gentle reinforcement of commands and training is what's required here.He might start biting you ? play biting or even a real attempt to challenge your authority. A sharp "No!" or "No bite!" command, followed by several minutes of ignoring him, should take care of this problem.Continue to play with him and handle him on a daily basis, but don't play games like tug of war or wrestling with him. He may perceive tug of war as a game of dominance ? especially if he wins. And wrestling is another game that can rapidly get out of hand.
As your puppy's strength grows, he's going to want to play-fight to see who's stronger ? even if you win, the message your puppy receives is that it's ok to fight with you. And that's not ok!Stage 6: The Brat Stage4-6 MonthsThe Brat Stage starts at about 4 months and runs until about 6 months, and it's during this time your puppy will demonstrate even more independence and willfulness. You may see a decline in his urge to please you ? expect to see more "testing the limits" type of behaviors. He'll be going through a teething cycle during this time, and will also be looking for things to chew on to relieve the pain and pressure. Frozen doggie bones can help sooth him during this period.He may try to assert his new "dominance" over other family members, especially children.
Continue his training in obedience and basic commands, but make sure to never let him off his leash during this time unless you're in a confined area. Many times pups at this age will ignore commands to return or come to their owners, which can be a dangerous, even fatal, breakdown in your dog's response to you. If you turn him loose in a public place, and he bolts, the chances of injury or even death can result ? so don't take the chance.He'll now begin to go through the hormonal changes brought about by his growing sexual maturity, and you may see signs of rebelliousness. (Think adolescent teen-age boy!) If you haven't already, you should have him neutered during this time. (Or spayed if you have a female.)Stage 7: The Young Adult Stage6-18 MonthsThe Young Adulthood stage lasts from 6 months to about 18 months, and is usually a great time in your dog's life - he's young, he's exuberant, he's full of beans ? and yet he's learning all the things he needs to become a full-fledged adult dog.Be realistic in your expectations of your dog at this time ? just because he's approaching his full growth and may look like an adult, he's not as seasoned and experienced as you might expect.
Gradually increase the scope of activities for your dog, as well as the training. You can start more advanced training during this period, such as herding or agility training, if that's something both of you are interested in. Otherwise, extend his activities to include more people and other animals ? allow him to interact with non-threatening or non-aggressive dogs.Congratulations! You've raised your puppy through the 7 stages of childhood, er, I mean puppyhood, and now you have a grown-up, adult dog! Almost feels like you've raised a kid, doesn't it? http://tinyurl.com/6u2cj.
Puppy Housebreaking 101
Many people are hesitant to get a new puppy out of fear of the housebreaking process. While the puppy housebreaking process can be consuming it doesn't have to be hard if you follow the tips we have outlined for you below. Housebreaking your puppy is best started with puppies are six-sixteen weeks in age. When puppies are this young, they tend to go to the bathroom predictably and frequently. The earlier you start the housebreaking process, the happier you will be as a new dog owner! The most important tip for successful puppy housebreaking is "Persistence is the key".
1? First, you need to teach your puppy where you want him to go to the bathroom. Your puppy will not know where to go if you don't show him. Therefore, he won't know if he went in the wrong spot. We suggest starting the housebreaking process outside. Many people tend to paper train and in essence you are making the training process harder for you and may end having to retrain him.
2- Praise is essential in...
Puppy Housebreaking 101
Puppy training > Puppy Housebreaking 101
No Paws from Santa Claus
The Holidays are coming and children have thought long and hard about the gifts they would most want to receive this year.
Trucks, trains, Groovey girls and scooters are popular gifts this year.
Each year lists are filled with the "most popular" toys of that year.
There is one thing each year that can be found on many children's lists.
A
puppy.
The image of a bright eyed plump adorable pup dressed in a red bow is an irresistible one.
Or is it?
Giving a life for a gift is something to think very carefully about.
Puppies grow up quickly, cost a lot and need a life long commitment.As a Professional Dog Trainer and Breed rescue volunteer, I have seen many sad endings for these once so irresistible pups.
Spring comes around and the pup is now sixty or so pounds and full of unappreciated energy and spunk...
The issues of teething and housebreaking are sore subjects for the entire family.
No Paws from Santa Claus
Puppy training > No Paws from Santa Claus
Some Dog Owners Face Difficulties in Training Their New Pets
Wakefield, WY (ContentDesk) January 18, 2006 - Each year, thousands of households across the globe take in a new animal, a dog; traditionally titled mans best friend.
Being the perfect acquaintance, dogs typically fill the void for individuals living in a single household or bring joy and companionship to children.While dogs may eventually become the perfect acquaintance, they certainly arent born that way.
New born puppies are usually an inconsiderate burden, keeping their owners awake at night, claiming the carpet as their restroom, and more.
For these reasons (and many others), strong emphasis needs to be put on training puppies as early as possible so that they may turn into well-behaved, well-trained adult dogs.Training a puppy takes a considerable amount of time and hard work, which may or may not lead to quick results.
Its important to always be firm when your dog does something negative, but its as equally important to not make your...
Puppy training > Some Dog Owners Face Difficulties in Training Their New Pets
Train Your Dog With Respect
Proper training of your dog should begin when he is a puppy.
The first four months of a dog's life are very important in the training of your dog.
This is when they learn behaviors that they will practice in the future.Socializing your dog is one of the most important things you can do to influence your dog's future behavior.
As soon as you bring your new puppy home, you should start letting him interact with other puppies, dogs and humans.
Take your dog to parks where there will be other pets and people.
Ask your friends if it is okay for your dog to visit their dog at their home or yours.
Puppies will learn how to get along with other puppies and dogs if they are allowed to play with them when they are young.
Introduce your dog to new experiences.
Give him rides in the car, walk him on a leash around the park, let him hear the vacuum cleaner running.
Help your puppy get used to a regular routine of baths,...
Puppy training > Train Your Dog With Respect
Puppy Development
Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy gets over its fear of its new surroundings, it will become very curious. People sometimes leave their puppy for a few minutes, come back and can't find it anywhere. If you can't find your puppy, remember to look under the furniture and in small corners. Also, don't leave small items that your puppy might choke on lying around.
Puppy development does not need to be a mystery. It might take a little while to housetrain your puppy, and you may also have some furniture that is slightly chewed. Remember that your puppy is still learning and be patient with it. No matter what breed your puppy is, it is sure to be a source of fun and enjoyment to the whole family.Tips on understanding Puppy Development.It is important to do all you can to increase your puppies development. Regardless of what breed of puppy you have, be sure to play with it and encourage it.
A puppy that is lazy and is never played with will grow into...
Puppy Development
Puppy training > Puppy Development
German Shepherd Puppies
Most people take home a German shepherd puppy because they have small children, or because they have no children?and a Shepherd easily becomes part of the family.
A German shepherd takes your house, garden and possessions into his loyal care and will guard those possessions with his life! He not only needs your love; he needs your attention to his general welfare. Provide these simple needs and your Shepherd puppy will be devoted to you for life. If you do have children at home, be careful as the puppy may leave ?presents' around which the baby seems to find before you do! Training will solve that potential problem. Because puppies wake in the night just like infants, you may find your own child cranky from waking with the puppy.
And it's a good idea to keep your child's stuffed animals and toys out of a puppy's reach?they love to chew.
Before taking your puppy home, though, consider adopting an adult dog. Experts say it's not only till a dog...
Puppy training > German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd Puppies
Most people take home a German shepherd puppy because they have small children, or because they have no children?and a Shepherd easily becomes part of the family.
A German shepherd takes your house, garden and possessions into his loyal care and will guard those possessions with his life! He not only needs your love; he needs your attention to his general welfare. Provide these simple needs and your Shepherd puppy will be devoted to you for life. If you do have children at home, be careful as the puppy may leave ?presents' around which the baby seems to find before you do! Training will solve that potential problem. Because puppies wake in the night just like infants, you may find your own child cranky from waking with the puppy.
And it's a good idea to keep your child's stuffed animals and toys out of a puppy's reach?they love to chew.
Before taking your puppy home, though, consider adopting an adult dog. Experts say it's not only till a dog...
Puppy training > German Shepherd Puppies
Puppy training The 7 Stages of Puppy Development
1-800-I-LOVE-YOU Sees a Surge in Sales for their Angelina Teddy Bear
This little Teddy bear has long been a simple, low-cost gift to send to someone with a special message. While this has been a product of 1-800-I-LOVE-YOU for many years, a sudden surge in sales have been reported from the company.The jointed little 8 inch bear holds its magic wand and bearing gold wings sending the "Magic of Love" at $14.95 delivered. As with all items from 1-800-I-LOVE-YOU Flowers and Gifts there is never a wire fee or service fee when you order from them. C.E.O, Ken Summerville...
Puppy training 1-800-I-LOVE-YOU Sees a Surge in Sales for their Angelina Teddy Bear
Puppy training > 1-800-I-LOVE-YOU Sees a Surge in Sales for their Angelina Teddy Bear
Puppy training laser printer The 7 Stages of Puppy Development