Puppy Developmental Stages
During the first year of life a puppy develops important skills.
 |
So much to learn when a puppy takes over....er ...enters... your life. Did you know that in your 6 week old puppy a soft fontanel could be cause for some concern and where do you find out what to feed a 6 month old puppy?
Relax, It's just a cute little puppy and we're here to help.
Here we look at puppy developmental stages. The benchmarks that a healthy puppy should meet in his first year.
Puppies grow and develop at their own rate depending on factors such as breed (not bread), health, order of birth, weight at birth (compared to his littermates) etc.
This page will outline general guidelines for the first year of a puppy's life.
First 6 Weeks ~ Puppy Developmental Stages
In the first few weeks of life, a puppy goes through a neonatal and transitional phase. Staying close to their nest and their mother, they learn almost exclusively from her and the other littermates during this time. At this age their eyes and ears are opening while the puppies learn to stand, walk, bark and wag their tails.
Puppy Soft Fontanel
Within the first 4 weeks a puppy's fontanel (the soft spot at the top of the skull that allows the plates of the skull to overlap during birth) should close and become a hard bony skull to protect the brain.
Open Fontanel
Occasionally a puppy's fontanel doesn't close and the pup will have a permanent soft spot between his ears.
Many of these puppies live
a long and healthy life completely oblivious of the risk this condition poses.
Most times there is nothing wrong with the puppy's overall health but with the brain
essentially unprotected serious injury or death can occur with any blow. More info.
6 Weeks ~ Puppy Developmental Stages
When puppy reaches 6 weeks of age he will begin to seek socialization with a wider circle of friends. This is the time that a puppy will seek your attention and become playful all the time learning to control the pressure of his bite. Mother will wean the pups.
It is important for the puppy's development that she remain with her mother til weaning is complete.
Taking a puppy from his mother and littermates too soon can
result in a nervous, bad mannered puppy who barks and bites and is generally dysfunctional. Sadly it can destroy any chance of the puppy reaching his full potential as a
companion.
A puppy is more likely to grow into a well rounded and socially skilled companion if left with his mother and littermates til weaning is complete.
Now is the time to begin
House Training your Puppy
6 weeks is a good time to begin training your pup to follow simple commands. They are very trainable during this stage of growth.
 |
3 Months ~ Puppy Developmental Stages
At three months the puppy will begin to determine the ranking order within it's family unit. He will decide who the leader of the pack is and you will gently but firmly establish yourself as the alpha dog.
During this phase biting and tugs of war while at play should be discouraged as puppies use these signals to determine leadership.
Positive play is encouraged but avoid getting the puppy overstimulated and strongly discourage biting.
A puppy learns not to bite during this time of development better than at any other time of his life.
A dogs personality and social skills are mostly developed during the first 4 months of his life. These months are known as the imprinting phase.
6 Months ~ Puppy Developmental Stages
A six month old puppy is more independent and begins to test boundaries and may be inclined to wander away. Puppy gates and enclosures or a leash are all features that can be used to keep your puppy safe. Training your puppy to obey you will also keep him safer.
Familiarize your pup with a leash and use it during outings.
A pup of six months will still challenge you and other members of the family for the top dog position.
Reestablish your position as leader in a strong voice when challenged while building the puppy's confidence with positive training.
Puppies are teething at this stage of life and will have a strong urge to chew. Provide a variety of chew toys and encourage the puppy to chew only those.
Do not allow the puppy to chew on old shoes and boots and such. It just confuses the issue for him
Signs of a puppy's maturing sexuality will begin to become evident around six months of age.
In males this is displayed as lifting his leg.
A female comes in to her first season and blood will show around her vulva. Females sometimes become moody and nervous or assertively bold during their first heat and should be kept away from males at this time.
This is a good age to consider having your dog spayed or neutered.
What to Feed a 6 Month Old Puppy
Feed your puppy a high quality puppy food twice a day and follow label directions. Because dogs of different ages have different nutritional needs ensure that the food you
choose for your dog is formulated for the appropriate age.
Weigh your puppy weekly to see that she's gaining weight.
General daily caloric intake for 6 month old
puppies.
Toy Breeds 250 calories
Small Breeds 630 calories
Medium Breeds 975 calories
Large Breeds 1875 calories
Giant Breeds 2800 calories
Each puppy differs in age, activity level and weight. There is no formula for how much to feed a puppy and his caloric needs will change over his lifetime.
9 Months ~ Puppy Developmental Stages
Nine month old puppies are still chewing and require a selection of chew toys.
Males are beginning to show more interest in females and will sometimes challenge other males.
The attention span of a nine month old puppy is expanding and a puppy of this age is very teachable. Your puppy should be completely potty trained before he reaches nine months.
 |
1 Year ~ Puppy Developmental Stages
Your year old puppy should be almost fully grown. In every liklihood he is still challenging you and others for a position of authority.
One year old puppies become territorial and alert to strangers.
This is a good time to get the puppy familiar with other people and non-threatening animals
remember that puppies of this age are also likely to fight if placed in a close area with another dog of the same sex.
As we see our beloved companions through the puppy developmental stages a lifelong bond grows between us.
Readers who enjoyed our puppy developmental stages page were also interested in:
House Training a Puppy
How to Leash Train a Puppy
How to Crate Train a Puppy
If nothing but the best is good enough for your puppy here's.....
An array of quality supplies and products for dogs and cats and owners
who like to pamper their pets with the very best. Dog & Cat Beds, Grooming Aids, Collars and Leashes, Feeders and Bowls, Crates and Carriers, Drinkwells, Treats, Toys,
Health, Travel
As your puppy grows he'll need stuff and you'll find that stuff at Dog.com - Discount Pet Supplies
Here are some puppy products we think you'll like.
|
Your puppy's crate can fit in beautifully with your decor. No need to hide a crate in the porch or hallway where your puppy's all alone. If you put a top on this one it can even serve as a side table. For a closer look click on the picture. |