EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
GROWING UP
**Did you know?
From 3 to 16 weeks of age, puppies probably learn more than they do during the
remaining course of their lifetime, forming lasting lifelong cognitive and emotional
impressions. This is known as the socialization period.
CANINE DEVELOPMENTAL PERIODS
Prenatal =
In Utero
Neonatal =
Infant (Birth to 12 days)
Transitional =
Toddler (12 days to 3 weeks)
Socialization =
Preschooler (3 weeks to 12 / 16 weeks)
Juvenile =
Elementary Age (12 weeks to sexual maturity)
Adolescent =
Teenager (Sexual to social maturity)
Adult =
Social maturity to 7+ years
Senior =
7+ years
SOCIALIZATION vaccinates your puppy against behavior problems!
**Did you know?
A FEAR PERIOD has been documented to occur between 8-10 weeks of age.
Traumatic experiences during this sensitive period to fearful stimuli may be
generalized and produce lifelong aversion responses. Puppies should NOT be shipped
during this period.
The JUVENILE STAGE OF CANINE DEVELOPMENT occurs between 12 weeks to 6
–9 months. Most dogs in puppy class fall into this age category. This period begins with
the end of the socialization period and ends at sexually maturity (approximately 6-9
months of age). Puppies become progressively more independent as juveniles.
Permanent teeth begin to emerge by 4 months of age. The optimal time for social and
environmental exposure is PRIOR to 16 weeks of age, yet socialization during the
juvenile period and beyond is still beneficial and necessary. Discontinuance of
socialization beyond the socialization period will cause dogs to regress and become
fearful. Between 12 and 16 weeks of age, puppies become progressively more reluctant
to approach novelty and unfamiliar people without apprehension and fear responses.
**Did you know?
Training and behavior problems are likely to become more pronounced in the
adolescent period. For example, dogs may start barking at strangers.
The ADOLESCENT (Teenager) developmental period ranges from sexually maturity to
social maturity (2-3 years of age). Sexual maturing coincides with puberty (the first
female heat cycle, or increase in male testosterone). Males may start lifting their legs to
urine mark at sexual maturity. Skeletal maturing coincides with closure of the growth
plates. This typically occurs at about 8-10 months of age in medium size dogs.
Think of your dog as a teenager. He may be sexually mature but he is not yet socially
mature. Consistency and predictability in your behavior is important during this phase.
**Did you know?
A SECOND FEAR PERIOD occurs between 6 and 14 months of age. Adolescent dogs
may be apprehensive or fearful of familiar and unfamiliar stimuli.
Did you know?
Your puppy’s true personality may not be known until he is socially mature or adultlike at 2-3 years of age.
http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/DevelopmentalStages.html
Canine Development and Socialization
Jamie Bozzi, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, ACDBC, CNWI, CC
Professional Dog Trainer and Canine Behavior Consultant
Smrtdog Behavior & Training www.smrtdog.com
AKC CGC / STAR Puppy Licensed Evaluator / Tag Teach Certified
[email protected]
619.246.5634