The 7 Stages Of
Puppy Development

Puppies are babies and just like human babies they're going to go through a lot of different phases and stages on their way to adulthood - but you have a shorter period in which to hone your parenting skills!

Here's a look at the most important stages of puppy development....

Puppy Growth Stages

• FIRST STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: 0 - 3 Weeks
  
  This is the very beginning of your puppy's life and he's a tiny, vulnerable creature!

  Take a look at some puppies being born and you'll see exactly what I mean...
  

  
  

  Puppies are born with their eyes and ears firmly closed and without any teeth. Although you won't see much external activity in a puppy during this period (all they want to do is eat and sleep!), there's a LOT going on inside.

  In fact this is a very critical stage of puppy development and all that sleeping is actually playing an important role as puppies do most of their growing during that time.

  Towards the end of this period your puppy will begin to open his eyes (at around 2 weeks old) and his ears (at around 3 weeks old), then his little teeth will start to peek through the gums.

  His eyesight and hearing improve daily, and by the time he's 3 weeks old your puppy will be toddling around, trying out his voice and beginning to play with his siblings.

  His needs:
  Obviously right now your puppy is with his momma and siblings, so the breeder has full responsibility for him.

  If you have puppies who have been abandoned or rejected by their momma, or are orphans, they will need you to take care of them. My Caring For New Born Puppies page has all the tips, advice and information you need to do this properly.

  It's a good time for him/her to begin to introduce new things for the puppies to experience and help to stimulate their senses.... such as different textures for them to feel (ie wear different clothing for them to be held against, different surfaces to toddle about on, brush their fur gently and so on).

  Different sounds can be introduced such as the radio, tv, washing machine etc.

  Here are some adorable 3 week old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies...
  




• SECOND STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: 3 - 7 Weeks
  
  During this period your puppy will grow very quickly and will seem to mature at the same sort of pace.

  He will start to regulate his own temperature during this period, and also start to feel the urge to pee/poop all by himself so he won't need his momma, or you, to stimulate him to eliminate any more.

  Your puppy is a now a 'toddler' and he'll be very busy learning how to interact with other dogs (both puppies and older dogs) and with other animals and, of course, humans.

  His momma will start to wean him by refusing to let him nurse for long periods. In the wild a wolf or wild dog will regurgitate food for her puppies, the ultimat 'baby food'. You don't see this often in domesticated dogs, but some females do it and it's not to be confused with vomiting!

  There's a lot to be learned from their momma during this puppy development stage. She'll teach him basic 'canine manners' and he will follow her lead in terms of how he reacts to the people and situations he encounters. A calm, well-behaved momma dog will usually raise calm, well-behaved puppies but a fearful or aggressive momma may transmit those behaviors to her offspring.

  A puppy will also learn from his litter mates, and one of the most important lessons is 'bite inhibition' - this is basically how hard he can bite without getting in deep trouble! This lesson is very important and just one of the many reasons why puppies should remain with their canine families for at least 8 weeks.

  His needs:
  At this stage of puppy development, breeders need to continue increasing the pup's exposure to different textures, sounds, smells etc.

  Individual puppies can be given short periods away from their momma and siblings to help them get used to being separated. This is a small step towards helping a puppy feel less frantic when he has to leave his doggie family to go to a new home.

  Also because this is the time when a momma dog will start to wean her pups naturally, breeders need to start supplementing the pups diet with a premium puppy kibble soaked in warm water... and offering the puppies water to lap.
  
  

  
  

  Just because the momma isn't feeding her puppies that doesn't mean they are ready to go to new homes... if anyone tells you this they do NOT have those puppies best interests at heart!

  And to finish off, at this stage of puppy development they should also get their first set of puppy shots and be treated for puppy worms by a veterinarian before the end of this period of puppy development.

  Here are the same puppies as shown in the video above, at 7 weeks old. See how much bolder and more playful they are!
  




• THIRD STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: 7 - 12 Weeks
  
  That little puppy has grown up pretty quickly and by 8 weeks old he's ready to leave his canine family and go to his new home. Tiny breeds may mature more slowly and it's better to keep these pups with their momma for up to 10 - 12 weeks.

  He may be a little guy, but a puppy of this age is curious, outgoing and intelligent. He's ready to find out all about the world around him and is eager to please his people.

  Right now your puppy is the proverbial 'blank slate' and it's easiest time to teach and train your puppy. He's small enough to control, eager to learn and respects you as his 'leader'. What he learns now will stay with him for life - good or bad - so make it good!

  Socialization is also very important during this stage of puppy development... the more new sights, sounds, smells etc. that he can experience the better. Puppies who have lots of socialization experiences and stimulus during this period will be much better equipped to handle change as they grow.

  Countless studies have shown that the best time for a pup to leave his momma and go to his new home is right around 8 weeks of age, so during this stage a puppy often moves to his 'forever home' and family.

  Many new owners aren't sure what to expect at first and there is often an adjustment period, you can learn more about the first few days/week with a new puppy on my Bringing Home A New Puppy page.

  There is also the first 'fear period' to deal with. This usually comes on around 8 weeks of age and the pup may seem scared of his own shadow, wanting to stick close to you at all times.

  His needs:
  He's about to take off on a huge learning curve, so it's the perfect time to start introducing your little guy to some basic manners and puppy training. Start basic obedience at home, and then move onto a formal obedience class once he's fully vaccinated.

  What you feed your puppy will have a long-term impact on his health and longevity. Feeding one of the best puppy food choices available is a big step towards keeping him happy and healthy, and growing at the proper rate.

  It's also vital to balance his need for socialization against health risks. Your puppy is very vulnerable to disease at this point in his life, so NEVER allow an unvaccinated puppy to interact with other pups or dogs who are not FULLY immunized.. also don't give him access to any public areas such as parks, stores, sidewalks etc.

  Any fearful reactions are pretty normal at this age, and are usually nothing to worry about. You don't want to 'coddle' a pup who is behaving this way. Just maintain a positive attitude and use a happy, upbeat tone of voice so that he realizes there is nothing to be scared of.

  Also, never push your pup to do something that he's clearly terrified of - that will cause more problems than it will solve.




• FOURTH STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: 12 - 16 Weeks
  
  This is a very demanding stage of puppy development and the well-behaved little pup who stuck right by your side will suddenly want to challenge you, ignore you and generally 'act out'.

  Congratulations your puppy is a pre-teen!

  Again, this is a perfectly normal part of the growing process but it can definitely be a challenge. If you've raised the human version you'll have some idea of what it will be like, if not 'hold onto your hat.

  At this stage of puppy development, your little one may fluctuate back and forth between being your sweet, cuddly baby and a stubborn, defiant 'tween'. This is when he's trying to figure out who is truly 'in charge' - and you need him to decide that it's YOU!

  It's very important to maintain your routine and house-rules, even in the face of defiance. Your pup is simply trying to find his place in his world and he will figure it out faster if he's surrounded with consistency and love.

  Your puppy will be in the throes of the 'teething' stage and unwanted behaviors such as puppy biting and puppy chewing are likely.

  Physically your puppy will have lost his 'chubby' baby shape and will likely be a bit 'leggy' and out-of-proportion. He's looking less like an infant and more like a grade-schooler.

  His needs:
  

  Although the changes that happen during this stage of puppy development can be a bit of a shock, it's all perfectly normal and although you'll want to keep your puppy 'on track', don't ever use harsh or punitive methods to correct him. Stay with positive rewards-based training and be loving, but firm when dealing with any misbehavior.

  His teething makes him want to chew on everything (as if he didn't do that already!), so investing in some heavy-duty chew toys - see my Indestructible Chew Toys page is a must!

  By 16 weeks your puppy should have had his third set of puppy shots and his Rabies vaccination, which means it's safe for him to go out into the big, wide world! Now is the perfect time to get him enrolled in a basic class at one of the local dog obedience schools/




• FIFTH STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: 17 - 40 Weeks
  
  

  You're raising a teenager! The fifth stage of puppy development is pretty close to the human 'teenage' years and you'll see a lot more of the 'bratty' attitudes you've probably already been dealing with.

  This stage can be pretty demanding and more than a little challenging. Your pup will want to break the rules, test the limits (and your patience) and generally act as though he's forgotten every lesson you ever taught him. PLUS, he'll be in the middle of teething as well. Yikes!

  But don't worry, this is perfectly normal and you don't have a juvenile delinquent on your hands.. yet anyway. If you've followed the advice above during the earlier stages of puppy growth you can relax :)

  Rest assured that as long as you continue to set (and enforce with love) the 'house rules' and keep your routine and reactions consistent, your pup will come through this rocky period and emerge as an older, and hopefully wiser, version of that little 8 week old furball.

  But, if you haven't done the groundwork yet - then you've got some work ahead of you and you'd better start right now!

  Continue to be patient and consistent with him. Some strong-willed pups may try to 'show you who's boss', but it's important to make sure that you stay in charge.

  In terms of physical puppy development, your pup will likely look like a teenager as well... long limbs, slender, maybe a bit awkward and ungainly. All normal and you may find his appetite will fluctuate as he goes through growth spurts.

  During this period your pup should lose his last baby teeth (the front 'fangs' or upper canines) and will have a full set of adult teeth.

  His needs:
  

  At this stage of puppy development, your pup's greatest needs are for discipline, exercise, sturdy chew toys... and patience!

  Puppies grow up much faster than human children, but don't expect miracles or overnight transformations. It's the small, day-in-day-out interactions, the consistent but loving corrections, the patience and persistence that win the day.

  Your pup WILL learn, but he's a creature of habit and his learning style is much more of a gradual build-up of understanding than a sudden 'aha moment'. If you follow the guidelines here, it will work out fine in the end, just stick with it.

  It's a good idea to get your puppy neutered (or if you have a female, have her spayed) during this period, definitely before 6 months of age.




• SIXTH STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: 40 - 52 Weeks
  So what do you have to look forward to here....?

  More teenage behavior, plus the upheaval of hormones signalling sexual behavior and maturity and another fear period. What fun!

  Small breed pups may reach maturity by the end of this period, but for the large or giant breed puppies there is still a long way to go! Some of the extra-large dogs don't become adult until they are somewhere between 2 and 3 years old.

  There will be a more noticeable difference between the development of small and large breed pups. Small or tiny breeds should be starting to settle down in terms of behavior, and they will have reached their full height and weight.

  Large or giant breeds will still be in the adolescent stage and there will be the same sort of behavior that you've been seeing for the last few months.

  These big puppies will still have lots of growing to do. To get an idea of how big your puppy may be by the time he's fully grown (whether he's a small or large breed), check out my Puppy Weight Estimates page.

  His needs:
  

  Firm leadership with well-timed corrections are a 'must' for a pup who steps over the line. In general, during this stage of puppy development you need to just continue to be patient, loving and firm and to give your pup sensible guidelines for behavior.

  The re-emergence of the fear of even familiar places or people is physiological (usually relating to periods of sudden growth physically and emotionally). Again, treat his anxieties the way you did during his first fear period at 8 weeks and don't 'baby' him. Be positive, upbeat and confident and he will mimic your attitude.

  But do try to avoid any really traumatic (for him!) changes during this period if you can - examples would include a house move, the addition of a new dog, elective surgery etc.




• SEVENTH STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: Over 1 Year
  
  
  As I mentioned above, there won't be much change in terms of physical growth or development for small and tiny breeds.

  But this won't happen for large and giant breeds until somewhere between 18 months and 3 years of age, so they will still be growing. Gaining their full height first, then continuing to put on weight until they reach their full adult size.

  In terms of behavior for large breeds you'll basically see more of the same teenage behavior, plus some noticeable growth spurts.

  With guardian breeds this is when you'll start to see those instincts rise to the surface.

  Pups of this age tend to be more combative with puppies or dogs of the same sex as themselves and during this stage of puppy development family squabbles may surface between dogs who have lived in the same house happily for months.

  His needs:
  Many pups have no idea what to do with their guarding instincts when they first appear, and may try to act brave while hiding behind your legs. Again, normal and nothing to worry about. As your pup grows and matures these protective urges will mature with him and he'll learn the proper way to react.

  NEVER, EVER encourage a pup to 'guard' or to act aggressively or defensively. That will confuse and frighten him and could cause a lot of problems later on. Be sure to correct him gently but firmly if he growls inappropriately though!

  You can now switch your pup over from his puppy food to a premium dog food, as his nutritional needs are changing.

  Your baby is an adult - at last! If you've spent time training and socializing your puppy and taken good care of his both his physical and emotional health, you can now breathe a sigh of relief! You have raised a happy, healthy and confident dog. Well done :)

Puppy Weight Estimates

Puppy Weight Chart

New Born Puppy Care

Bringing Home A New Puppy

Puppy Training Tips

Feeding Your Puppy

Best Puppy Food Choices

Puppy Food Reviews

Puppy Health

Puppy Training

Puppy Socialization

Puppy Grooming

Extra Large Breed Dogs




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