Puppy Development
A puppy progresses almost like children do. They need to eat,
sleep, and learn new things along the way. Always interact and play
with your puppy to give him exercise and keep him mentally and
physically fit.
The first two to three weeks are usually the hardest. The puppy
will begin to move around and open his eyes. He will know his Mom
and her smell.
At three to four weeks, the pup will begin to recognize you. Any
kind of negative happening like immediate changes can impact his
personality. So try to keep things calm during this time. Mom is
beginning to teach the litter how to be a dog, so they need to stay
with her now.
During the four to eight week stage, he begins to interact with
his siblings. He will also learn how to play. Weaning happens
around this time and Mom will teach her mischievous brood a few
manners. They are not ready to be separated from Mom as she has a
few more things to teach them. This is also the time to start them
on puppy food.
Once they get to eight weeks, some puppies hit a fearful time.
Things they used to be accustomed to now terrify them. Do not yell
or scream at the puppy or isolate him during this time. This is the
time to teach simple behaviors such as sit and stay.
At three months, the puppy will be more independent every day.
He will challenge you by not doing the simple commands he already
knows. He will wait to play wrestle and even if you win, the puppy
will still think it is alright to fight with you which can lead to
other bad behaviors down the road.
Four months brings the teenage stage. He will go through
hormonal changes and have an even lesser desire to do what you say.
He will also go through teething. Always have something cold, if
possible, for the pup to chew on. This stage ends at six months
which is the perfect time to spay or neuter.
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