AppalachianTailsDogTraining

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DogDevelopmentalStages
NatureNurtureEffects
Selective breeding has created a domestic dog that, genetically, cannot be distinguished
from a wolf or coyote. Many of the hardwired behaviors are still present. The nature
(genetics) of dog behavior cannot be dismissed. For example:
Prey-chase instinct is strong in herding breeds. High activity level in hunting breeds.
Reactivity in terriers.
Each dog needs outlets for its hardwired behaviors Border collies need to herd so if
there is no access to cattle, sheep or other livestock, they will herd children, chase bikes
and find other, perhaps more inappropriate, outlets.... The lesson is; Give the dog an
appropriate activity- Chase the ball and bring it back.
Nurturing differences can have a significant effect in some situations:
Raise an Akbash or Great Pyrenees with sheep and they will offer
play behaviors to that species as though they were dogs... they will guard them
too
Raise BC puppy with sheep = a BC with weak eye... The BC
cannot maintain predatory behavior against the species because of the imprint it
will never be a good herding dog It ...cant direct a sustained predatory motor
pattern toward an animal with which the dog has been socialized (Coppinger)
The point is that appropriate socialization at appropriate life stages are key
ingredients in the recipe for a good dog.

Neonatal(newborn)[birththru12days]
Blind and deaf - eyes and ears are closed
Has a sense of smell at birth, which guides it to a nipple for milk Reacts to cold, pain and
hunger
Have a "righting reflex", "rooting reflex" and a "sucking reflex" Totally dependent upon its
mother for survival
Must be stimulated to urinate and defecate
Not aware of the world beyond the den
Transitional[13thru20days]

Rapidly acquire and practice new skills

Vocalizations, body postures, and behaviors
Begin to control elimination - dirty area Vs clean (sleeping area) Teeth begin to erupt ~20
days
Awareness[21thru28days]
This begins a crucial time of learning "how to be a dog"
Learning what it's like to bite, be bitten, dominate and be dominated Don't wean or move
the litter
Socializationwithotherdogs[3thru7weeks]
Stay with litter to learn: Body postures
Facial expression Vocalization patterns To bite and be bitten To play
Greeting behaviors
HumanSocialization[7thru12weeks]
Move to new home
Meet everything possible (in safety) Learning is permanent
Cannot concentrate
FearImpact[sometime(s)between8&11weeks]
Trauma, pain, or fright will have a lasting impact
Perception of the puppy (the danger may be real or imagined)

AgeofCutting[sometimebetween13and16weeks]
Cut teeth **warning- they start becoming less dependent! **
Cut apron strings
Adolescence[sometimebetween4and8Months]
Strike out - taste independence
Many obnoxious behaviors begin to develop
There needs to be a firm, fair training program in place
Almost full size *warning- they look adult - your eye lies to you!!!!! Often learn to NOT
come when called!
Still teething- chewing need till 10 months
May be physically awkward
Judgment is often poor

**warning- do not give freedoms until they are earned!**

SecondFearImpact[Occasionaluntiladult]
"Fear of new situations"
Show patience and kindness and help the dog work out the fear
Adult[Sometimefrom1to4years]
Sexual maturity (as young as 6 months in small dogs)
New attempts at aggression, dominance, guarding territory/family
(many breeds ~2 years)
Settle into firm behavioral patterns but you can teach an old dog new tricks"
***The socialization process should go on through the first two years. The puppy,
adolescent or young adult who misses the important lessons of socialization will have
difficulty as an adult. This animal will be fearful, distrustful, and/or aggressive toward
other dogs, new people, animals, and/or situations. The puppy needs to learn that the
world is a place of wonder, new surprises, and fun!***
Geriatric[7to10years]Gradual changes
Any behavioral change will require that you seek veterinary care before considering
training solutions: