Training and socialization must be performed throughout a dog's growing period during specific times. There's no use, for instance, in taking a 6-week old newborn to obedience school, nor is it a good idea to wait until a dog is 3 years old before housebreaking.
Dog Developmental Stages
The most crucial stage of a dog's life is during its first few weeks of life. Unfortunately for owners, a puppy's first stage is largely in the hands of the breeder. A reputable breeder is essential in picking a new dog. Experts suggest that a calm and trauma-free introduction to the world makes a puppy much less likely to become neurotic and high maintenance. Accoding to The Perfect Puppy by Gwen Bailey, dogs' developmental stages are:
- Newborn: 0-2 weeks
- Transitional: 2-3 weeks
- Socialization: 3-12 weeks
- Juvenile Period: 3-6 months
- Adolescence: 6-18 months
- Maturity: 18 months onward
Puppy Socialization Period
This is an important time in a puppy's life. It's very important to provide lots of positive reinforcement and varying interactions. The puppy should have plenty of contact with humans, other dogs, and other strange, new things in the world, such as motorcycles, men with beards, reptiles, bodies of water and sand. Positive experiences to new environments help the puppy learn to be curious and trusting.
Puppy Juvenile Period
From 3-6 months is a good time to hit the training classes. A new puppy will test its boundaries at this age and it's important to remind him or her who is boss and what the rules of the world are. Socializing with humans and other puppies must be coupled with obedience lessons and learning to come, sit, and stay. It is also important that the new puppy learns its place in the chain of command during this age. Experts suggest that this is the most crucial age for creating a well-mannered dog.
Dog Adolescence: Spay/Neuter, Continue Training
Six months to one year is often considered the most challenging part of raising a well-mannered dog. Any bad habits or weak spots allowed during infancy and juvenile ages show up during adolescence, when the puppy begins to challenge authority. Training must be continued and reinforced, despite frustrations. This is age when many ill-equipped owners wastefully "dump" unwanted dogs at the pound. Don't be one of them!
Dog Maturity
From 18 months onward, it is smooth-sailing. That is, if the puppy has successfully received training and proper socialization up until this point. If not, don't worry, contrary to conventional wisdom, a dog can be trained at any age. It simply requires more work at an older age.
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