Critical Periods Of Development

Question 1

What are the five critical periods of a dog‘s life?

Answer 1

Birth to 21 days (0-3 weeks)
21 days to 28 days (3-4 weeks)
28 to 49 days (4-7 weeks)
49 to 84 days (7-12 weeks
84 to 112 days (12-16 weeks)

Question 2

When is the peak period of socialization for dogs?

Answer 2

Between five and seven weeks

Question 3

What are dogs capable of doing during the initial critical period?

Answer 3

During this period the dog is only concerned with its physical needs warmth, food, sleep, and mother

Question 4

What are dogs capable of doing in the second critical period?

Answer 4

Being introduced to humans may gradually begin. The dog’s sensory and loco-motor development begins to increase rapidly, and emotional and social stresses will greatly impact the puppy during this period.

Question 5

What are dogs capable of during the third critical period?

Answer 5

The puppy begins learning and developing canine social patterns. During this process, the “pecking order” (A social hierarchy among dogs) is being established, and signs of dominance and aggressiveness become visible.

Question 6

What are dogs capable of learning during the fourth critical period?

Answer 6

The puppy is now ready to start to learn. This period is the optimum time for the puppy to be introduced to its new owner or trainer

Question 7

What are dogs capable of doing during the fifth critical period?

Answer 7

The young dog is now able to handle disciplined behavior psychologically. Conduct pre-training (imprinting) in a formal atmosphere during this time, and the dog has the mental capacity to respond accordingly.