A critical period is a specific time in the dog's life when an apparently insignificant experience may, and often does, have a great effect on later behaviour. All dogs, regardless of breed or mix, are affected in their psychological growth by their environment. Critical periods apply to all dogs, but not necessarily to the same degree. Understanding these critical periods helps you to understand your dog's behavior and to know how to handle both the puppy and yourself during certain special times.

Birth to Seven Weeks (0-49 Days)

In order to maximize the mental and psychological development of a

puppy, it is absolutely essential that he remain in the nest with his mother

and littermates until seven weeks of age. It is during this time that puppies learn they are dogs. While playing, they practice different body postures, learning what they mean and what effects they have on brothers, sisters and mother.

Puppies that are removed from the nest too early tend to be nervous, prone to barking and biting, and less responsive to discipline. Often they are more aggressive with other dogs. In general, a puppy taken away to a new home before seven weeks will not realize its full potential as a dog and companion.

Socialization Period (7-12 Weeks)

The best time to bring a puppy into its new home is during the Socialization Period. At this time he should be introduced to as many things as possible that will play a role in his future life. For example, if you want him to interact peacefully with farm animals or with a

cat, it is at this age that he should meet them in a positive, non-threatening manner. It is during this period you want to introduce your puppy to sounds like the vacuum cleaner, engine noises, city traffic, children, men with beards, women with big floppy hats, senior citizens,

while all people to us, they each appear different to the dog, and he should meet as many different ages and types of people as possible.

At seven weeks of age the puppy's brain has the brain waves of an adult dog. His capacity for concentration, however, is not yet adult, and thus his attention span is quite short.

But he can learn. Not only can a young puppy learn, but will learn, whether he is taught or not. It is at this age that the most rapid learning occurs. Everything he comes in contact with is making a lasting impression on him as it never will again. Things learned at this age are learned permanently, they are put into his heart forever, thus all

POSITIVE EXPERIENCES, things exposed to later go into their head and are not as forever......

This is the best age to begin your pup's training in a positive, non-aversive manner, taking into account his physical limitations and short attention span.

Fear Imprint Period (8-11 weeks)

During this period any traumatic, painful or frightening experiences will

have a more lasting impact on your pup than if they occur at any other time.

For instance, a trip to the veterinarian during this period, if unpleasant, could forever make your dog apprehensive about going to the doctor. To avoid this, take along a toy to play with and some high value treats for your puppy while you wait. Have your veterinarian give treats to the puppy along with loads of petting and praise after completing the examination and inoculations. In general, avoid stressful situations, but do continue to socialize and train your pup in a non-traumatic way.

ALL POSITIVE EXPERIENCES!!!!! NOTHING NEGATIVE!!!!!!

Seniority Classification Period (12-16 Weeks)

This critical period is also known as the "Age of Cutting" - cutting teeth and cutting the apron strings.

Ignore unwanted behavior---

NO CORRECTIONS!!!  ALL POSITIVE EXPERIENCES!!!!!

Flight Instinct Period (4-8 Months)

This is truly the age when your puppy will test his wings: He will venture

off on his own and turn a completely deaf ear when you call. If this

occurs during training, the pup's response to your "come" command will be

to take off in the opposite direction. Now you know why, and you can say

to yourself, "Aha! Flight Instinct!"

The Flight Instinct Period generally lasts for anywhere from several

weeks to a month, and how you handle/train your dog at this time will mean the difference between a dog who ignores your call and one who responds readily. Keep your dog on a leash...putting him in a position where he can run away from you will only serve to ingrain this undesirable behavior.

Keep training for reliable recalls, make yourself the most exciting person in the your dogs universe.

Second Fear Imprint Period (6-14 Months)

This Fear Imprint Period is not as well defined as the first one

which occurs between eight and eleven weeks. It is marked by your

now adolescent dog's reluctance to approach something new or his

sudden fear of something familiar. To get through this period, be patient,

be kind, don't force your pup to do something frightening to

him, re-direct the dogs attention, above all continue as usual so

that he is being given leadership in a familiar and reassuring manner.

NEVER....EVER...SAY...'poor puppy...don’t be scared...it's ok

mummy is here'...BAD...BAD...BAD...you will only be reinforcing

the fear and the NEED for mummy to save and protect him..... You need to act in a confidant and self assured manner.

Maturity (1-4 Years)

This critical period is often marked by an increase in undesirable behaviours, testing your leadership, and possibly aggression. The increased aggression is not necessarily negative. Often it means that a previously over-friendly dog becomes a good watch dog and barks when people come to the door. It also may mean, however, that Brutus and Harley, who used to be good friends, are now fighting every time

they see each other.

If, at maturity, your dog tries again to test your leadership, handle

him firmly and continue training. Train your dog regularly

throughout this testing period, praising for the proper response.

Many dogs will not undergo any noticeable changes during these time periods. But, just as children

go through the "terrible twos" with textbook predictability, you should be prepared for the psychological changes that will occur in your dog, so that you understand what is happening and can help him, and yourself, get through this time.