CPDT-KA Stages of Puppy Development Questions and Answers (Graded A+)

Neonatal (birth - 2 weeks) - ANSWER-Born essentially blind & deaf. Can see light/dark, can hear muffled sounds, can feel, taste and smell. Born toothless. Unable to regulate body temperature. Reliant on litter mates and Mom for warmth. Mom must lick pups to stimulate urination and defecation. Between 7-14 days, eyes and ears open. Senses improve. Puppy becomes progressively more aware of his environment Transitional Period (2-3 weeks) - ANSWER-Puppies begin to explore and establish social relationships with each other. Mobility begins to increase Socialization (3-13 weeks) - ANSWER-Puppies continue learning about the world around them, interacting with litter mates and mom, learning about humans. Learning about sights, sounds, smells, textures of the world. Important that Puppy has positive encounters with new things so he's learning that the world is interesting and not scary. *Note - the socialization window does NOT slam shut at 13 weeks. It's an ongoing process that continues for the life of the dog. USE IT OR LOSE IT. But early experiences do shape the dog's opinions about the world in which it lives. Adolescence (13 weeks - 3 years) - ANSWER-hormonal changes (even if neutered), growth spurts, behavioral changes are often seen during this time. Training sometimes slides if not done consistently. Young puppy problems tend to manifest into major problems (e.g. jumping, barking, destructiveness, fear/insecurity) Continued positive socialization and training can avoid onset of fear issues (fear imprint period) Adulthood - ANSWER-Dog is full grown, filled out to adult size and weight. Hormones level off. With solid and continued positive training from puppy-hood through adolescence, by 3 yea