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| Developmental stages of the puppy. |
| Hobbs is featured here on our puppy stages page. He is our F1B cockapoo puppy. His mom is a first generation cockapoo (Pitch), and dad is an AKC poodle (DC). Hobbs was born on 11-15-08. |
| Birth to 2 wks.- Neonatal period Breeder provides warm environment. It has been shown that mildly stressing puppies during the first five weeks develops dogs which are superior when put in learning or competitive situations. They are better able to handle stress, are more outgoing and learn more quickly. Mild physical stress at an early age will actually increase the size of the brain. During this early stage mild stress can be achieved easily by picking the puppy up for a few seconds each day. We also weigh them every few days to check growth progress. |
| 2 to 3 wks. - Transitional period Eyes open, puppy can hear, begins to walk in a wobbly fashion.They will begin to hear and will respond to taste and smell. It is important at this stage to continue picking puppies up and to have cuddle moments with each puppy. We also begin to introduce soft foods and toys to explore. |
| 3 - 4 wks - Awareness period It is a time of very rapid sensory development. A stable environment is crucial. It is important not to overload them. Radical changes in the environment must be avoided. It is essential that the puppy remain with the litter and the mother. Each day introduce a new surface such as concrete, linoleum, wood, carpet, matting, etc. Very mild auditory stimuli is introduced, such as a radio playing quietly. |
| 4 - 12 wks. - Canine socialization Primary stage is 3 - 5 wks. and secondary stage is 6 - 12 wks. "This period is especially important for the development of a stable emotional temperament and affective tone. Many social and emotional deficits observed in adult dogs are believed to result from removing puppies too early from the mother and littermates." - Steven R. Lindsay This is the time that mom teaches limits and good doggie manners and habits. |
| Hobbs likes to help Dad work on his computer! |
| 7 - 16 wks. - Human socialization ”From now to the 16th week of the puppy’s life, his basic character is set by what he is taught. This will apply especially to his attitudes toward people and toward his ability to serve them the very best he can." -Pfaffenberger During this period of time the puppy is introduced to a wide range of people. He or she must learn that all sizes of people are to be respected, and trusted so many different people should be introduced in an ever widening circle of circumstances. This will enable the puppy to make good decisions about confrontations with people in the future. |
| 8 - 11 wks. Fear Imprint period Primary period 8 - 9 wks. Secondary, and lesser period 9 - 11 wks. (Each puppy is different so ask for the breeders advise.) This period should be taken a day at a time, and puppy should be alowed to develop at his or her own pace! Experiences a puppy perceives as traumatic during this time are generalized and may affect him all his life. It is a fact that a dog is most likely to develop an avoidance response if subjected to physical or psychological trauma during these four weeks. It is best that some puppies should not be shipped during this period, elective surgery should be put off until the 12th week, and necessary visits to the vet should be made fun. |
| 10 - 16 wks. Senority Classification This period is known as the "period of cutting teeth and apron strings." Pups will attempt to clarify and resolve question of leadership. Puppy will seem to move from fear stage to your new boss almost overnight! So long as you provide structure, control and leadership, this transition should be relatively painless. However, if you do not establish ground rules imediately upon the arrival of your new puppy, the next stage can be very trying! It is easy to be taken in by those adorable puppy eyes, but this is the time to start puppy home school, and to plan puppy classes in 'public school!' Towards the end of this period is the best time for spaying and neutering. |
| Hey! pick me up! |
| I am a snowman muncher! |
| 4 - 12 months - Flight instinct/ second fear period Even if you have done your homework it does not mean your puppy won't go through this - just be aware of it and ride it out. Just keep your pup on a leash until this passes. He may challenge you in an attempt to resolve the question of leadership. He may not come when called. He may not play fetch even though he once did. He will be uncomfortable because his adult teeth are growing in. Be prepared with appropriate chew bones (large enough so that the pup will not choke) to help with your pup's need to chew. Use a long line in the park if your pup is not coming when called. This is the time when obedience schools get most of their calls. Puppies that have not been socialized and worked with take a different path in life than pups that have. It is because of this stage that prevention over cure is advocated -- you must start socializing and training before now! When you notice a change in your dog during this time, he is probably going through his "flight instinct" period. Like a teenager going through puberty, your puppy is changing physiologically. Your awareness of these changes in behavior will help get you through this commonly difficult period. Many dogs will show a rise in their level of aggression (reactivity) during this time. They may become protective and territorial, and may make a new attempt to dominate owners. Build confidence through training! |
| Hobbs says, "Let's play with my snowman together! |
| 1- 3 yrs. - Maturity Are you done socializing? NO! Like your training efforts, which continue on into adulthood and throughout your dog’s entire life, you are never done with socialization. He still needs to meet and greet people, go places with you, and continue to share your world and your experiences, if you want him to continue to be the happy, friendly dog he is today. Until this period has been reached, it is recommended that your pup remains crated or the equivilent (structure) when you are not available to supervise his behavior. You will know when your dog can be trusted by testing him for short periods (10-15 minutes) while you leave the house. If your dog is damaging property while loose, he is not ready |
| We love our little Hobbsers! He was so very easy to raise through his puppy stages! He is love wrapped in fur! |
| When I was a child, my mom used to use an annoying little phrase to refer to my various childhood stages. She would look at me, smirk, and say, "It's just a phase!" Of course I felt I was already mature and all grown up, so it would simply infuriate me! But I am sure in some small measure this phrase would help her to see the silver lining behind my possibly annoying growth phases! I hope this page will help puppy owners to better understand their puppy during the various puppy growth phases. From mischevious puppy stage, all the way to a mature loyal canine companion! |
| Hobbs and his mom, Pitch. |
| He's got the cutest little baby face! |
| Here is Hobbs with his brothers. They have all found good homes! |
| Yummy! ICE! |
| 3 wks. old |
| 6 wks. old. |
| 8 wks. old. |
| A good cuddle is even better! |
| What's the matter, Hobbs? Won't anyone help you play with your snowman toy? |
| Hobbs' Chocolate markings have become frosted. He has turned out to be very handsome, and has a heart of gold! |
