Puppy Development Flashcards
What is the neonatal stage in puppy development?
Occurs from birth through the first two weeks of life. Puppies communicate by touch, temperature, and scent and are completely dependent on the mother for food, heat, and emotional soothing.
Puppies cannot regulate their own temperature and have no bladder or bowel control during this stage.
What happens during the transitional stage of puppy development?
Occurs from two to three weeks. Puppies begin to open their eyes and ears, move around with little motor dexterity, and become aware of their environment.
They start to recognize littermates and the mother, and experience walking.
At what age does the awareness and socialization stage occur?
From four weeks to approximately seven or eight weeks of age.
What is a key behavior that puppies learn during the awareness and socialization stage?
Puppies learn bite inhibition through play with littermates.
They teach each other what is too hard, too fast, or generally hurts or scares another dog.
What role does the mother dog play during the weaning process?
The mother dog begins to wean the pups and teaches them general manners by pushing them away or walking away when they misbehave.
True or False: Each dog develops at the same rate regardless of breed and individual personality.
False.
Fill in the blank: Puppies communicate primarily through _______ during the neonatal stage.
touch, temperature, and scent.
What is the significance of the transitional stage for breeders?
Breeders should introduce light environmental changes to help puppies acclimate to sounds and human touch.
What behaviors might puppies experiment with during the awareness and socialization stage?
Barking, nipping, and body slamming.
What is the importance of littermates during the awareness and socialization stage?
Littermates teach each other important social behaviors and bite inhibition.
During which stage are puppies most likely to be guarded by their mother?
Neonatal stage.
What is the process of introducing puppies to regular food called?
Weaning
Weaning is a gradual process that allows puppies to transition to solid food as the mother begins to reduce nursing.
When does the second socialization stage occur in puppies?
Around eight weeks to sixteen weeks of age
This stage is crucial for bonding and social development.
What is the ideal age to find a puppy kindergarten class?
Around eight weeks
This helps with socialization to the human world, basic commands, and leash manners.
What developmental control begins to develop during the second socialization stage?
Bladder and bowel control
Potty training is relatively easy at this stage, but accidents may still happen.
What is a key consideration during a puppy’s first fear impact period?
Avoid harsh corrections or punishment
Puppies are particularly sensitive to scary events during this time.
What should you do if your puppy experiences a scary event?
Remove the puppy as soon as possible
Expecting a puppy to ‘get over it’ can lead to long-term behavioral issues.
What is the duration of the juvenile stage in puppies?
From three to six months old
This stage is marked by behavioral testing and development.
What behavior often begins to manifest during the juvenile stage?
Selective hearing
Puppies may test boundaries during this phase.
What dental changes occur during the juvenile stage?
Teething begins and milk teeth are replaced by adult teeth
This process starts around three-and-a-half to four months old.
What is a recommended action regarding spaying or neutering during the juvenile stage?
Consider spaying or neutering between four to six months
This can help prevent problem behaviors into adulthood.
True or False: It is appropriate to use loud voices as corrections during the second socialization stage.
False
Loud voices can leave a lasting negative impact on a puppy.
What is the potential consequence of allowing too much time before spaying or neutering a dog?
Increased likelihood of cancer, reproductive disease, and roaming behaviors in males.
At what age do many dogs experience a second fear impact period?
Around five months of age.
How does the second fear impact period differ from the first?
Dogs may become reactive to the problem rather than simply cowering in fear.
What should you avoid doing to a puppy that is lashing out during the second fear impact period?
Scolding or punishing the puppy.
How long does the second fear impact period typically last?
Approximately three weeks.
What age range defines the adolescent stage in dogs?
Approximately six to twelve months.
For larger breeds, how long can the adolescent stage last?
Into the early part of the second year, ending around sixteen to eighteen months.
What are common characteristics of dogs during their adolescent stage?
Rambunctious, high energy, in need of direction and outlet for their energy.
What is a significant reason many dogs are relinquished to shelters during adolescence?
Manners related behaviors that could be treated with exercise, mental stimulation, and leadership.
Why is socialization important during the adolescent stage of a dog’s development?
It provides a connection to the world that cannot be obtained in the backyard or living room.
What should be prioritized if a dog is not spayed or neutered during adolescence?
Following a quality leadership protocol or manners routine.
What happens if the second fear impact period did not occur around five months?
It will most likely occur during the later part of the adolescent stage.
What age range defines the maturity stage in dogs?
From one to four years.
What is common behavior for a two-year-old dog during the maturity stage?
They may still act very puppy-like.
What benefits does a dog experience during the maturity stage?
Social skills, confidence, health for canine sports, and enjoyment of quiet time.
Fill in the blank: During maturity, dogs will relish time with _______.
[their owner].
What should be the focus when guiding a puppy through the stages of development?
A consistent, gentle, and loving hand.
