The Critical Stages of a Puppy's Development

According to Northwest K9, the stages in a puppy's development are neuro-vegetative, imprinting-identification, intraspecific sociability, emotional-relational and cognitive. Diamond in the Ruff, however, classifies a puppy's developmental stages as neonatal, transitional, awareness, canine socialization, human socialization, fear imprint period, seniority classification, flight instinct period, second fear period and maturity.



Even though there are clear differences in classifications, there are definite similarities and overlaps in the definitions of those classifications.

  1. Birth to Seven Weeks

    • A puppy is born with a sense touch and taste. The senses of hearing and sight don't fully develop until three to five weeks into a healthy puppy's growth, coinciding with the puppy learning to walk.

      During this phase, the puppy should interact with its mother and litter mates, since this is how it will learn social skills and improve physical coordination.

      A puppy should be introduced to positive interaction with humans between five and seven weeks.

    Seven to 12 Weeks

    • This time frame is ideal for separating a puppy from its mother and beginning its elimination training, also known as housebreaking. The puppy should start eating solid food during this phase and be completely weaned.

      At the beginning of this stage, the puppy most likely barks from distress. It's typical for distress barking to increase at approximately eight weeks, then decrease until 12 weeks.

      Positive human interaction is critical for the puppy's socialization during this period.

    Ten to 16 Weeks

    • There's a bit of an overlap in stages because puppies mature at slightly different rates. The 10-to-12-week period includes a teething and chewing phase. Puppies also experience a stronger influence from their peers, whether those peers are canine, human or other animals.

      This is a critical phase because the puppy is seeking rank---it is trying to figure out who is in charge. It's also typical for the puppy to enter a fear stage around 16 weeks.

    Six Months to 14 to 18 Months

    • A puppy goes through puberty around six months and will act out sexually if not spayed or neutered. It is likely to test boundaries by not responding to known commands.

      At some time between three and seven months, the puppy will go through a second teething and chewing phase as its adult teeth come in.

      The puppy may become territorial during this phase and try to gain dominance in the household or, conversely, may become fearful. This behavior can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the puppy.