Puppy Development Life Cycle

Puppies go through development stages, just like people. When they are born, they are completely dependent, and can't even see or hear.

By the time they go home at 8-weeks, they are ready to take on their new world - well almost!

It is important to treat each developmental stage with the proper training and care.

At 3 days, we start the puppies on our Early Neurological Stimulation or Bio-Sensory program.

We also are staunch supporters of the Puppy Culture Program, and we follow it religiously.

By 8 weeks, your puppy will have had the best start in life that we can give, and it will be up to you to continue to care for him/her throughout the next phases of their development.

Goldendoodle Puppy outside with leaves

(0-2 weeks) neonatal stage:

Puppies can touch and taste from birth, but that's about it. They will start to learn some simple social skills, coordination, and the ranking process. Mostly they eat and sleep, and they scoot around on their bellies. Their Mom is doing everything for them, staying with them constantly to see to their every need.

(2-4 weeks) Transitional period:

Their eyes open at about 2 weeks, and they begin to stand and walk around. Their sense of smell and hearing develops, they wag their tails, teeth start coming in and they can even start to find their voices and begin to bark around 4 weeks. They begin to learn where to potty and to keep their place they sleep clean. A separate litter area is introduced and they catch on pretty fast. Puppies are a bit more independent and Mama can leave a little at a time. Around 2-3 weeks is when the de-worming starts.

(4-12 weeks) Socialization Period:

At 4 weeks, puppies start to eat solid puppy food. Food is mixed with water and blended in the blender when first introduced to make a soft mush type meal. It is soaked in water for the first few weeks to make eating easier on puppies. Fresh clean water is always available.

Puppies are aware of their surrounding by 5 weeks and really start to enjoy play time with toys that make noise and interaction toys. Introducing puppies to new sounds, smells and trusted people is important.

9-12 weeks, when you get your puppy, is the most important time to work on social skills and bonding.

(3-6 months):

Think of it this period as "elementary school age". Puppies are influenced most by people and other dogs.

Teething and chewing issues can happen during this stage. Make sure to have some strong chew toys that they can't chew up, and that they like. Things like bully sticks, horns, nylabone toys are all good candidates. If they chew on things you don't want them to, take the item away and say "No!" and replace it with their toy.

(6-18 months):

Known more as the teenage years. Puppies are full of energy and can be a bit naughty at times during this stage. Your puppy can go through a period of challenging you a bit more. Consistent training and behavior will make a huge difference. Puppy classes and puppy socialization are very important.



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Contact: Timber Taylor Doodles | West Ogden, UT | | Email us: timbertaylordoodles@gmail.com