Your pup from birth to 2 years - fear etc

[Jude]

Shamelessly stolen from another forum! But might be of interest to those experiencing fear/aggression problems with young dogs.

This is the stages of a puppy from birth to 2 years old. It may help you understand your pup.


Prenatal Period
Conception to Birth

Neonatal Period 0-13 days

Puppies are not able to regulate temperature or eliminating without their mother's stimulation

Transition Period 13-21 days

Ears and eyes gradually open. Best time to introduce other species and novel items

Awareness Period 21-23 days

Rapid time of sensory development. Best time to introduce new floor surfaces and auditory stimuli

Canine Socialisation Period 21-49 days

Pup learns how to stop mother's discipline and how to be a dog.

During 4th and 5th weeks,

short car rides may be introduced and stimuli such as radio, dishwasher, TV hair dryer vacuum cleaner introduced.

During the 5th and 6th week i

ndividual attention with humans should be given daily.

Human Socialisation Period 7-12 weeks

Best time for rehoming. Pfaffenberger believed that from 7 to 16 weeks of the puppy's life his basic character is set by what he is taught.

The pup should be socialised to as many pleasant but varied experiences as possible during this time.

Fear Impact Sub-period 8-10 weeks

Experiences that a pup perceives as traumatic during this time tend to be generalised and may affect them for the rest of their lives.

Seniority Classification Period 12-16 weeks

The age of cutting teeth and apron strings. By 16 weeks, the puppy's emotional makeup is fully developed.

Flight Instinct Period 4-8 months

There is a time during this period lasting 2-4 weeks when the pup will test his wings. He won't come when called and will run away when the owner tries to put on the lead.

Second Fear Impact Period 6-14 months

In large breeds, this stage may last longer. This period shows a fear of new situations and novel objects

Young Adulthood 18-24 months

Many dogs may show a rise in aggression levels during this time. They may become protective and territorial and take advantage of any relaxation of the guidelines set by the owner.