Bully Blog
This is difficult stage for the owner to go through, it is marked by rapid growth, increased activity, excitability, and independence. This is when the of the most obedient puppies just seem to suddenly no longer care to listen. Sometimes it can seem like a chore to keep the puppy under control. And sadly, because this period can be taxing on many families this is also the period in which most dogs are relinquished.
In this stage dominance order is now beginning to develop, at this stage it is more important than ever to have consistent rules. It is necessary to control the dog’s behavior, this will ensure that the behaviors we desire pay off for the dog and the undesirable behavior do not. This is also the time you should enroll your puppy in obedience class, and canine sports. This will not only give your dog a positive outlet, but it will also strengthen your bond.
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There are two phase of this period the first is from 3 to 6 weeks (canine socialization), this phase is the optimum time for dog-dog socialization, this is when a puppy identifies as the species with which it has primary contact. The second phase is from 6 to 12 weeks (human Socialization) this is when the puppy is forming social relationships. This is also the fear period. During the first week of the second socialization period week 6 to week, the puppy will tend to develop a far of strangers, so socialization now is critical. If socialization during this week does not occur the puppy can develop a fear of strangers, loud noise, and unexpected situations. Between 8 and 12 weeks it is extremely important for the puppy to have many positive, happy experiences and to avoid traumatic events to prevent behavioral issues related to fear in your dog. An example of something never to do to a puppy during this stage is yelling or screaming for having an accident on the carpet. Below is a checklist that I use for my dogs. And check out my blog on house training your puppy.
In our development blog’s we will go through every stage of development of your new puppy, before the puppy comes home as well as after. We will also have some tips to help your puppy on his/her way to becoming a well socialized, well behaved, happy dog.
I am going to be starting with the first two stage of development which are Neonatal Period (0 to 10 days) and the Transition Period (11 to 21 days). At the first stage the Neonatal Period puppy responds only to warmth, touch, and smell. Your puppy is unable to to regulate body function like their temperature or elimination. At the second stage the Transition Period the puppies Eyes and ears are open, but sight and hearing are limited. Tail wagging begins and the puppy begins to control body functions. But, these are very important stages in development, were the environment, or the stimuli in the environment plays a critical role. This is when you puppies central nervous system develops, so inadequate stimulation at this stage will lead to abnormal sensory perception, this can lead to a dog that is emotionally unstable, has reduced learning ability, and trainability. Not only does this early environment need to have the appropriate stimulus but it also needs to be predictable, it should be at scheduled times to prevent the puppy from becoming frustrated and under stress leading to a dog that has learned it’s behavior has no impact on its environment. So what are these stimuli that the puppy needs to be exposed to, to accelerate growth, reduce emotional instability, promote increased sociability, and improve resistance to some diseases?
Suggested Readings and References Urs A. Luescher: Canine behavioral Development Fox MW: Canine behavior, Springfield, IL, 1965, Charles C Thomas. Lindsay SR: Handbook of applied dog behavior and training: adaptation and learning, Ames, IA, 2000, Blackwell. Peterson, ME, Kutzler MA (eds): Small Animal Pediatrics. St. Louis, 2011, Elsevier. Scott JP, Fuller JL: Dog behavior, the genetic basis, Chicago and London, 1965, The University of Chicago Press. Serpell J, Jagoe JA: Early experience and the development of behavior. In Serpell J (ed): The domestic dog, its evolution, behavior and interactions with people, Cambridge, 1995, Cambridge University Press. Van Dam P, Bleicher S: The ultimate puppy toolkit, Toronto, 2005, Urban Puppy Inc. |
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