Critical periods in your puppy's psychological growth

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0 to 7 Weeks

Neonatal, Transition, Awareness, and Canine Socialisation. During this period, puppy learns about social interaction, play, and inhibiting aggression from mother and littermates. Puppies must stay with their mother and littermates during this critical period. They learn the most important lesson in their lives; they learn to accept discipline.

7 to 12 Weeks

Human Socialisation Period. The puppy now has the brain waves of an adult dog, but has a short attention span . This is when the most rapid learning occurs. Learning at this age is permanent, so this is a perfect time to start training. Also, introduce the pup to things that will play an important part in his life; different people, places, animals, and sounds, all in a positive, non-threatening manner.

8 to 10 or 11 Weeks

Fear Imprint Period. Avoid frightening the pup during this period. Any traumatic, fearful or painful experiences will have a lasting effect on the puppy.

13 to 16 Weeks

Seniority Classification Period somtimes called The Age of Cutting. Puppy cuts its teeth and apron strings! it begins showing signs of dominance. You must discourage any and all biting because this is a sign of dominance! Its important to be a strong and consistent leader. Formal training should begin. This training will help you establish your position as leader.

4 to 8 Months

Play and Flight Instinct Period. Pup may wander and ignore you. It is important to keep the puppy on a lead during this time! At about 4-1/2 months, the puppy loses his milk teeth and gets his adult teeth, this is when pup begins serious chewing! A dog's teeth don't set in his jaw until between 6 and 10 months. During this time, the puppy has a physical need to chew.

6 to 14 Months

Second Fear Imprint Period. Dog shows fear of new situations and even familiar situations. It may be reluctant to approach something new. It is important to be patient with the dog and act matter of fact when he is nervous. Don't force the dog to face the situation and dont give it any symapthy or it will think its okay to be afraid. Training will help improve the dog's confidence.

1 to 4 Years

Maturity Period. You may encounter renewed testing for dominance, but because you have spent time with your dog, this will not be a problem, it's just something to be aware of. Continue training your dog . It may have another fear period between 12 - 16 months. You will have to be the leader of the pack if your pup is to develop into a well-mannered pooch. Dominance and alpha behaviour are important concepts to be aware of.

Dogs are pack animals by nature. Every pack has a leader, which dominates and leads the other members of the pack. This "alpha" is the boss who makes decisions for the entire pack. normally their will be alpha male and female. All other members of the pack will form a hierarchy of dominance and submission where each has a place.

In your home, you and your family are the dog's pack.. It is your responsibility to establish yourself in the alpha position. If you dont' your dog will. Owners often assume that they are the leader because we feel we are superior to animals. If only it were this simple.

Being the leader does not mean you have to be aggressive. Anyone can be the pack leader. It is an attitude. It is mutual respect, and it provides the communication between you and your dog.

This article was written by Paul Rawlinson a Norfolk based Dog Behaviourist You can visit Paul's website at www.k9dogs.co.uk You may freely distribute this article or save to any electronic media as long as it is left intact, including this copyright box.