Critical Puppy Stages
Some facts about critical periods in puppy development that you may not have been aware of, but should be in order to help them with training and socialization once you bring them home. I came across this info elsewhere years ago and had to share. This is a must read!
- Neonatal Period (0-12 Days):
The puppy responds only to warmth, touch, and smell. He cannot regulate body functions such as temperature and elimination. Puppies are still with their mother.
- Transition Period (13 - 20 Days):
Eyes and ears are open, but sight and hearing are limited. Tail wagging begins and the puppy begins to control body functions. Puppies are still with their mother.
- Awareness Period (21 - 28 Days):
Sight and hearing functions well. The puppy is learning that he is a dog and has a great deal of need for a stable environment. Puppies are still with their mother.
- Canine Socialization Period (21 - 49 Days):
Interacting with his mother and littermates, the pup learns various canine behaviors. He is now aware of the differences between canine and human societies. Puppies are still with their mother and almost ready to go to their homes. This period is critical for them, and a good breeder will not let you go home with a puppy yet.
- Human Socialization Period (7 to 12 Weeks):
The pup has the brain wave of an adult dog. The best time for going to a new home. He now has the ability to learn respect, simple behavioral responses: sit, stay, come. Housebreaking begins. He now learns by association. The permanent man/dog bonding begins, and he is able to accept gentle discipline and establish confidence.
- Fear Impact Period (8 - 11 Weeks):
Try to avoid frightening the puppy during this time, since traumatic experiences can have an effect during this period. As you can see, this period overlaps that of the previous definition and children or animals should not be allowed to hurt or scare the puppy (either maliciously or inadvertently). It is very important now to introduce other humans, but he must be closely supervised to minimize adverse conditioning, meaning you shouldn't overwhelm your puppy with introductions. Learning at this age is permanent. This is the stage where you wonder if your dog is going to be a wussy butt all his life. Also introducing your puppy to other dogs at this time will help him become more socialized. If available in your area, a good doggy day care is great for this. Look for a daycare that will gradually introduce the puppies in with the large dogs so they don't get overwhelmed and possibly become defensive or fearful.
- Seniority Classification Period (13 - 16 Weeks):
This critical period is also known as the "Age of Cutting" - cutting teeth and cutting apron strings. At this age, the puppy begins testing boundaries and leadership. Biting behavior is absolutely discouraged from thirteen weeks on. Praise for the correct behavior response is the most effective tool. Meaningful praise is highly important to shape positive attitude.
- Flight Instinct Period (4 to 8 Months):
During this period puppies test their wings - they will turn a deaf ear when called (also known as the angsty teenage phase). This period lasts from a few days to several weeks. It is critical to praise the positive and minimize the negative behavior during this time. However, you must learn how to achieve the correct response. This period corresponds to teething periods, and behavioral problems become compounded by physiological development chewing.
- Second Fear impact period (6 - 14 Months):
Also called, "The fear of situations period", usually corresponds to growths spurts. This critical age may depend on the size of the dog. Small dogs tend to experience these periods earlier than large dogs. Great care must be taken not to reinforce negative behavior. Force can frighten the dog, and soothing tones serve to encourage his fear. His fear should be handled with patience and kindness, and training during this period puts the dog in a position of success, while allowing him to work things out while building self-confidence. This is why I encourage clients to introduce their dogs to places as well as people and things.
- Maturity (1 - 4 years) :
Many breeds especially giant breeds continue to grow and physically change well beyond four years of age. The average dog develops to full maturity between 1-1 1/2 years and 3 years of age. This period is often marked by an increase in aggression and by a renewed testing for leadership. During this time, while testing for leadership, the dog should be handled firmly (not aggressively). Regulate training throughout this testing period, praise him for the proper response. Giving him no lenience to affirm his leadership will remind him that this issue has already been settled. I like to tell my clients "your dog will do what you allow him to do, so if you don't want your dog to do something you must communicate that with them".
COVID-19 Update
It’s been a while everyone,
With the news about the new covid-19 regulations being put in place for our province I’m sad to say I will not be offering in person services starting from Sunday, December 13th for the 4 week guideline.
Anyone that has inquired about training within this timeframe please know you are being kept track of, and you will be contacted to rebook or book in chronological order once it's safe for the province to do so. Classes will not be scheduled until at least February of the new year.
Thanks so much for your continued support, let’s all come out of this stronger than ever!
Have a safe and happy holidays!
Basics Classes
Holy moly!
My real world basic obedience group class filled 3 of 4 spots yesterday when I announced it was happening. So with that said, classes are running from November 1st - December 13th at Montrose Pet Clinic in Beaumont. There is one more spot as of today (October 14, 2020), if it fills I will announce it on my Facebook page.
I’m excited to get started with the pups who are enrolled!
“Oh the places we’ll go” is a great motto to have with our dogs. An owner and dog who train together, stay together. See you in real world basics!
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I understand that participating in training sessions and activities are not without risk to myself, dogs, property, or other people. I assume the risk of any and all damage or injury incurred to any person, animal, or property as a result of a dog training session conducted by or on behalf of my trainer, Stephanie McSween. I agree to pardon and hold harmless Stephanie McSween and any other parties associated with any service provided. I agree that I have hired Stephanie McSween, as a training professional, to determine which tools are necessary to help me train my dog. I understand that I will obtain the best training results by following the instructions of Stephanie McSween as a trainer. I further understand that I am responsible for the training of my dog. I agree to make known any and all training, behavioral, and health problems or concerns at the time of registration and agree to assume all responsibility for the actions of my dog(s) at the time of service and in the future. Stephanie McSween is not responsible for any injury to or destruction of any person, animal or property at the time of service or in the future. I understand and agree that if attending day training, my dog may be placed in a kennel for periods of time during the day to allow for rest and downtime. I understand that dogs are animals and even in the most controlled and well supervised environments, they may engage in inappropriate animal behaviour. This includes, but is not limited to, rough playing, nipping, aggression, and dog bites. I further understand that although Stephanie McSween closely monitors dog socialization and play to prevent injury, it is possible that my dog may receive minor nicks and scratches from other dogs. I agree that Stephanie McSween may use “corrections” to interrupt and/or stop my dog’s inappropriate behaviour. Such corrections include, but are not limited to, the use of spray bottles of water and compressed air canisters. I understand that the degree to which training is successful is a function of the interest, commitment, and cooperation of the owner. I acknowledge and agree that there is no guarantee that my dog will achieve the desired level of training despite the best efforts of the trainer. I agree to pay all fees at the time requested, and that there will be no refunds. I understand that if I must cancel or reschedule an appointment, that I must provide 24 hours advance notice. I understand that it is my responsibility to read/watch any literature or material provided by Stephanie McSween or by the manufacturers of any products used in my dog’s training. I understand that although Stephanie McSween has successfully trained aggressive dogs, there are no guarantees that aggression will completely recede with training. I agree that if my dog has displayed or continues to display aggression toward other dogs and/or people, it is my responsibility to muzzle my dog and to avoid potential problem situations at all times, not solely during training sessions. I agree that in the event my dog engages in an act of aggression toward another dog or person while participating in training, Stephanie McSween may, in her sole discretion, use reasonable physical force to interrupt and stop the aggression. I further agree that I am solely responsible, financially or otherwise, for any harm or damage to other dogs, persons, and/or property arising out of my dog’s behaviour. I agree to allow Stephanie McSween to photograph and/or videotape my dog for use in print, publication, and promotion of her business. I agree that I have been informed of the risks associated with dog training and have assumed the risk of my dog’s attendance and participation in training with Stephanie McSween. I agree that Stephanie McSween has permission to take photos/videos of my dog during training sessions for educational and promotional purposes.