PSYCHOLOGICAL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
As dogs develop from puppyhood, they learn much and what is learned has a lasting impact. Even sexual patterns, which emerge as puppies mature, can be affected by early experience. All dogs, regardless of breed, pass through ten psychological stages as they grow and develop. An understanding of these stages of development will give a better understanding to an owner on how to handle the dog at these critical times.
The prenatal period
Foetuses in utero are not totally isolated from the outside world. Ultrasound techniques have allowed us to observe their reactions to abdominal palpitation of the mother beginning with the 4th week of gestation. Their sense of touch develops very early and they may be sensitive to all the petting received by the mother during gestation. Similarly, the mother's stress may well be felt by the puppies and lead to abortion, retarded growth in utero, learning difficulties after birth or even immune deficits. Finally, even though the sense of smell does not develop until after birth, the sense of taste appears earlier, infact, it seems that the food the mother eats during gestation can affect the later food preferences of the puppies she carries.
The neonatal period 0 - 2 weeks
The neonatal period begins at birth and ends when the eyes open. It has often been called the 'vegetative state' since the puppy's life appears to be dominated by sleeping and a few reflex activities. The puppy reacts only to tactile stimuli and crawls towards heat sources. Crawling is made possible by the development of the nervous system, as myelination occurs from the anterior to the posterior end of the dog, allowing the dog to move its front legs before its hind legs.
Excluding reflexes, the perception of pain is the last thing to appear in the neurological development which explains why some minor surgical operations can be performed without anaesthesia during this time. (However, I have read conversely that pups of this age do feel pain and certainly if the dam sits on her pups they squeak!).
During the neonatal phase, the mother and her litter should be confined in a warm, safe maternity area. Stimuli, sometimes found in breeding operations such as music, toys, colours etc. have no effect at this age and merely disturb the litter's sleep.
The transitional period 2 - 4 weeks
Also called the 'awakening phase', the transition period begins when the puppies' eyes open (at around 10 - 15 days) and ends when the puppy begins to react to sounds (at about 4 weeks). Vision is not yet perfect at this stage.
At this time the puppies will normally risk a bit of exploration and begin to play, to bond to their mother and to recognize their litter mates (the phenomenon of imprinting). The owner can get the pups used to being handled and having human presence with all the sounds etc. that would normally go on in a domestic home environment.
The socialisation period ~ to dog 4 - 6 weeks ~ to human 4 - 12 weeks
This is the stage which will have the greatest effect on the dog's behaviour for the rest of its life. In physical terms facial expressions start to develop and body temperature is well developed so the pups begin to sleep on their own instead of in the group to conserve heat.
This is the optimum time for the dog to establish social relationships with other dogs, humans and other species. This is the phase where the dog has to learn many new concepts such as that a human smile is not threatening, that humans like to pick up pups and cradle them, that they will meet other species and accept them. They will have their space invaded and be taken out in cars, into busy streets, other peoples' houses etc. They will become aware of the sounds and sights of their environment and if they are not given plenty of opportunity to become accustomed to all of this then they will become fearful of these experiences in later life. It is important to make as many of these experiences as pleasant and positive as possible for the pup, so that it takes all of these in its stride.
The first fear impact period 8 - 11 weeks
This is a phase where any traumatic, painful or frightening experience will have a more lasting effect on the pup than if it had occurred at any other time. An unpleasant trip to the vet or some other negative or overwhelming experience could have a huge impact on the dog for the rest of its life.
It is at this time when the majority of pups are vaccinated and go to their new homes so it is critical that these are as pleasant as possible.
Juvenile period 12 weeks to maturity
Most of what happens during this phase is determined by what went on before. The dog will experience gradual improvement of the motor skills as it grows in strength and activity.
Seniority classification period 12 - 16 weeks
This highly significant phase is when the pup will make its first attempt to establish itself in the pack for dominance and will be extremely confident in it challenge. No two dogs are the same and some may challenge authority more than others.
Being aware and positive training will enable the pup and the owner to form a relationship where both have a respect for each other, but that the owner establishes leadership.
Flight instinct 4 - 8 months
This is the age where puppies become more independant of their owners and are likely to venture off on their own often pretending not to hear the owner's commands to come. This can last for a few days or a few weeks. They are still pups but are becoming adolescent and in the same way that human adolescents often challenge their parents and want to 'spread their wings' so do these young dogs. Positive leadership and an understanding of what is happening will help owners not to become exasperated with their pups.
At this stage they are losing their puppy milk teeth and the adult teeth are coming through.
Second fear impact period 6 - 14 months
The second fear impact is similar to the one that occurred during the socialisation period but it is much less defined. It happens as dogs enter adolescence and seems more common in males. It is often referred to as 'adolescent shyness'. The dog may suddenly become reluctant to approach something new or suddenly become afraid of something familiar. This behaviour can be very frustrating to the owner and difficult to undestand because its onset is so sudden and seemingly, unprovoked.
An understanding of this phase is important so that the owner does not reinforce the fear or be negative of it. Simply making light of it and praising lavishly for good behaviour will go a long way to helping the dog through it.
Adult dog/maturity 1 - 4 years
This will take place at different time for different dogs. Small breeds are often mature at 1 year, where some of the larger and giant breeds are not mature until at least 4 years of age. This phase is sometimes marked by a renewed challenge for leadership of the pack.
As dogs develop from puppyhood, they learn much and what is learned has a lasting impact. Even sexual patterns, which emerge as puppies mature, can be affected by early experience. All dogs, regardless of breed, pass through ten psychological stages as they grow and develop. An understanding of these stages of development will give a better understanding to an owner on how to handle the dog at these critical times.
The prenatal period
Foetuses in utero are not totally isolated from the outside world. Ultrasound techniques have allowed us to observe their reactions to abdominal palpitation of the mother beginning with the 4th week of gestation. Their sense of touch develops very early and they may be sensitive to all the petting received by the mother during gestation. Similarly, the mother's stress may well be felt by the puppies and lead to abortion, retarded growth in utero, learning difficulties after birth or even immune deficits. Finally, even though the sense of smell does not develop until after birth, the sense of taste appears earlier, infact, it seems that the food the mother eats during gestation can affect the later food preferences of the puppies she carries.
The neonatal period 0 - 2 weeks
The neonatal period begins at birth and ends when the eyes open. It has often been called the 'vegetative state' since the puppy's life appears to be dominated by sleeping and a few reflex activities. The puppy reacts only to tactile stimuli and crawls towards heat sources. Crawling is made possible by the development of the nervous system, as myelination occurs from the anterior to the posterior end of the dog, allowing the dog to move its front legs before its hind legs.
Excluding reflexes, the perception of pain is the last thing to appear in the neurological development which explains why some minor surgical operations can be performed without anaesthesia during this time. (However, I have read conversely that pups of this age do feel pain and certainly if the dam sits on her pups they squeak!).
During the neonatal phase, the mother and her litter should be confined in a warm, safe maternity area. Stimuli, sometimes found in breeding operations such as music, toys, colours etc. have no effect at this age and merely disturb the litter's sleep.
The transitional period 2 - 4 weeks
Also called the 'awakening phase', the transition period begins when the puppies' eyes open (at around 10 - 15 days) and ends when the puppy begins to react to sounds (at about 4 weeks). Vision is not yet perfect at this stage.
At this time the puppies will normally risk a bit of exploration and begin to play, to bond to their mother and to recognize their litter mates (the phenomenon of imprinting). The owner can get the pups used to being handled and having human presence with all the sounds etc. that would normally go on in a domestic home environment.
The socialisation period ~ to dog 4 - 6 weeks ~ to human 4 - 12 weeks
This is the stage which will have the greatest effect on the dog's behaviour for the rest of its life. In physical terms facial expressions start to develop and body temperature is well developed so the pups begin to sleep on their own instead of in the group to conserve heat.
This is the optimum time for the dog to establish social relationships with other dogs, humans and other species. This is the phase where the dog has to learn many new concepts such as that a human smile is not threatening, that humans like to pick up pups and cradle them, that they will meet other species and accept them. They will have their space invaded and be taken out in cars, into busy streets, other peoples' houses etc. They will become aware of the sounds and sights of their environment and if they are not given plenty of opportunity to become accustomed to all of this then they will become fearful of these experiences in later life. It is important to make as many of these experiences as pleasant and positive as possible for the pup, so that it takes all of these in its stride.
The first fear impact period 8 - 11 weeks
This is a phase where any traumatic, painful or frightening experience will have a more lasting effect on the pup than if it had occurred at any other time. An unpleasant trip to the vet or some other negative or overwhelming experience could have a huge impact on the dog for the rest of its life.
It is at this time when the majority of pups are vaccinated and go to their new homes so it is critical that these are as pleasant as possible.
Juvenile period 12 weeks to maturity
Most of what happens during this phase is determined by what went on before. The dog will experience gradual improvement of the motor skills as it grows in strength and activity.
Seniority classification period 12 - 16 weeks
This highly significant phase is when the pup will make its first attempt to establish itself in the pack for dominance and will be extremely confident in it challenge. No two dogs are the same and some may challenge authority more than others.
Being aware and positive training will enable the pup and the owner to form a relationship where both have a respect for each other, but that the owner establishes leadership.
Flight instinct 4 - 8 months
This is the age where puppies become more independant of their owners and are likely to venture off on their own often pretending not to hear the owner's commands to come. This can last for a few days or a few weeks. They are still pups but are becoming adolescent and in the same way that human adolescents often challenge their parents and want to 'spread their wings' so do these young dogs. Positive leadership and an understanding of what is happening will help owners not to become exasperated with their pups.
At this stage they are losing their puppy milk teeth and the adult teeth are coming through.
Second fear impact period 6 - 14 months
The second fear impact is similar to the one that occurred during the socialisation period but it is much less defined. It happens as dogs enter adolescence and seems more common in males. It is often referred to as 'adolescent shyness'. The dog may suddenly become reluctant to approach something new or suddenly become afraid of something familiar. This behaviour can be very frustrating to the owner and difficult to undestand because its onset is so sudden and seemingly, unprovoked.
An understanding of this phase is important so that the owner does not reinforce the fear or be negative of it. Simply making light of it and praising lavishly for good behaviour will go a long way to helping the dog through it.
Adult dog/maturity 1 - 4 years
This will take place at different time for different dogs. Small breeds are often mature at 1 year, where some of the larger and giant breeds are not mature until at least 4 years of age. This phase is sometimes marked by a renewed challenge for leadership of the pack.