A dog has ten clear stages of psychological development which affect how it interacts with people and other animals and controls its behavior in situations dependent on its age. Puppies develop through clearly recognizable stages, each one being characterized by certain behavior patterns and emotional reactions. These have been called The Ten Stages and are discussed in further detail below.

1. Pre-Natal Period
Environmental factors that affect the pregnant bitch also affect the subsequent development of the puppies mind. This is why it is critical to give the bitch good all round care.

2. Neo-Natal Period (0-2 weeks)
During this period the dog spends around 90% of its time asleep. The hearing, vision and temperature regulation are under developed and the pup’s brain is barely myelinated. The way in which a dam behaves with her offspring will greatly influence its behavior in later life.

3. Transitional Period (2-4 weeks)
During this period, the sensory abilities come on line, the eyelids open and the first set of teeth appear, the dog will wag his tail and bark for the first time, at this time the litter mates play a much more important role.
By four weeks of age, hearing, pain, touch and vision responses are similar to that of an adult, the brain is almost fully myelinated and the dog is ready for complex learning.

4. Socialization Period (To Dogs – 4-6 weeks / To Dogs Humans 4-12 weeks)
From 3 ½ weeks the pups begin to interact playfully. From this age the pup learns through play, how much pain they can inflict on each other as a result of chewing and biting.
The facial expressiveness of the puppy at five weeks contrasts to the mask like appearance of the puppy at three weeks. This is due to the development of expressive ear movements, elongation of the muzzle and the improved functions of the muscles that control the lips.
At 4-5 weeks of age, puppies frequently carry small objects in their mouths and engage in tugs of war. A defensive protective pattern emerges, in which the pup vigorously guards an object or food. Several puppies may follow one litter mate who is carrying something in its mouth. These are the first signs of coordinated group activity, or pack performance and dominant and submissive behavior.
This is the optimum time for the dog to establish social relations with other dogs, humans and other species.
Scott and Fuller describe this period as a special time in life when a small amount of experience will produce a great effect on later behaviour.

5. First Fear Impact Period (8-11 weeks)
Any traumatic experience, whether it be frightening or painful will have a more lasting impact on the puppy now, than if it had occurred at any other time in its life.

6. Juvenile Period (12 weeks to maturity)
Most of what occurs in this period will be determined by what went on before. The dog will experience gradual improvement of the motor skills as he grows in strength and activity. Consistency is the key during this period, ensuring the dog knows its boundaries is key to guaranteeing that you don’t have unwelcome behaviour. If the dog hasn’t developed normally through the previous stages, then socialization must take place during this stage.

7. Seniority Classification Period (4-8 months)
This is often referred to as the ‘Age Of Cutting Teeth’. This period is defined by the dogs test for leadership, very similar to teenage children; the dog will test all members of his pack for weaknesses and then, if allowed, exert his authority and move higher within the pack position.

8. Flight Instinct Period (4-8 months)
Turning a deaf ear is classic behaviour in this period; the dog will often disobey commands, run away, or turn a deaf ear. It can last a few days or weeks and is again, a test of the owner’s position in the pack.

9. Second Fear Impact (6-14 months)
This is a stage that most people do not understand. It could occur once, or several times, depending on the dog. It is marked by a sudden change in behaviour of the now adolescent dog who may suddenly be reluctant to approach something new, or be frightened of something, or someone familiar. The way in which an owner reacts in this stage is crucial to the dog’s normal development.

10. Maturity (1-3 years)
Maturity is a very vague stage, as some breeds do not mature until they are 3-4 years, however, whenever the maturity is reached, it is usually marked by a renewed test for leadership of the pack, especially in male dogs and again, the way in which the owner responds to this is critical.
The way in which breeders, handlers and owners respond to a dogs behaviour is crucial at all the above stages of development, one mistake and the dogs development could quite easily be set back. This would then need further work and training to ensure the dog grows into a well adjusted, social animal, comfortable in all surroundings.

I read this article about a Yorki that was attacked at a PetSmart. It upset me on many fronts. On the personal front, as the owner of small dogs, I understand their special social safety considerations. Unless a larger breed dog has been socialized with smaller breeds, it is NOT safe to have them together. Actually the dog’s breed is irrelevant. When larger dogs are not socialized, bad things can happen. On the professional front, it angers me that an inexperienced worker at PetSmart is allowed to make such decisions that could lead to a client being harmed.  As a human entrusted with the physical and emotional well-being of your dear ones, it makes me sick to think such things still happen. As president of the Colorado Groomers’ Association I realize the need to educate the public about the lack of licensing in my field. There is a great need to make sure groomers in Colorado know how to keep our pets safe.

Wonderful information for your summer vacations with you family. Click here.

Helpful Hints from the ASPCA

Forbidden Chocolate 
Seasoned pet lovers know the potentially life-threatening dangers of chocolate, including baker’s, semi sweet, milk and dark. In darker chocolates, methylxanthines—caffeine-like stimulants that affect gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiac function—can cause vomiting/diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and an abnormally elevated heart rate. The high-fat content in lighter chocolates can potentially lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Go ahead and indulge, but don’t leave chocolate out for chowhounds to find. 

The thickness of a dog’s fur, not the length, determines how a dog tolerates cold temperatures. To know if your dog needs a coat to go out, think about how thick your dogs fur is is to determine what your dog needs. Another consideration is how long your pet will be outside. The government has outrageously minimal requirements for dogs which are kept outside. There is a huge gap between their requirements and what is humane.

Nordic breeds were created with dense undercoats and are well suited for cold climates, not so for the majority of the breeds we choose to share our lives with. We humans have created these creatures to be dependent on us. Even large breeds sometimes need help from us to keep them warm.

Sick or elderly dogs might need them even while they are indoors. And don’t forget their feet. Bare tootsies get painfully cold on frozen ground. In extreme cases dog’s body cannibalizes itself to try to keep warm. You may think it is froo-froo to have your dog wear a coat, but you can find lots of “plain jane” coats too.

Bottom line: Pay attention to your dogs. They should NOT be shaking or have the chills ever. They should NOT be holding their feet up because they are too cold to stand on. If they are, go get them a coat!