Puppy Development, 7 Periods

Puppies go through 7 learning periods during which they acquire the experience that shapes them for  life. The periods phase in and out gradually and are associated with increasing ability to see, hear, think & move. The 7 learning periods start with  birth and end when the pup is sexually mature. The  periods:

1. Neonatal Period	-	0 days to 10 days
2. Transition Period	-	11 days to 21 days
3. Socialization Period	-	3 to 12 (-14) weeks
4. Fear Period	-	8 to 10 (-12) weeks
5. Juvenile Period	-	3 to puberty
6. Second Fear Period?	-	3 weeks between 4 and 11 months?
7. Adolescent Period	-	Puberty to social maturity

Over the next few days, we’ll discuss each of these periods.

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