Dogs from birth until the end of their first year are referred to as puppies. During this time, they undergo many developmental processes. A newborn puppy bears little resemblance to a fully grown dog. The most crucial developmental steps occur in the first 12 weeks of life. Each dog develops individually, with smaller breeds maturing faster than some larger breeds, which may not reach physical maturity until their second year.
Additionally, puppy development varies among different breeds. For instance, Cocker Spaniel puppies may open their eyes earlier than Fox Terrier puppies, and Basenji puppies may develop teeth sooner than Bobtail puppies. Regardless of the breed, all puppies are born in complete dependence on their mother.
Newborns
Puppies are born blind, deaf, and toothless. They cannot regulate their body temperature independently or eliminate waste on their own. Puppies rely on warmth from their mother and littermates, and a puppy outside the warm nest can quickly succumb to hypothermia. Cold and lonely puppies cry loudly for their mother.
The first stimulus after birth is usually the warm tongue of the mother, which cleans the puppy and stimulates its circulation. The mother licks the puppies to keep the nest clean and stimulate the elimination of urine and feces.
Neonatal Phase: Birth to 2 Weeks
In the first two weeks, puppies sleep almost 90% of the day. All waking time is spent nursing.
All energy is focused on growth, doubling their birth weight within the first week. Newborns are unable to support their weight, so they move forward by paddling. These light movement exercises stimulate their muscles and coordination.
From birth, puppies can smell, taste, and respond to touch. These senses are crucial for locating the scented milk glands. At the mother’s teat, they consume the first milk, called colostrum, which is rich in immune agents, protecting newborns from infections in the first weeks of life.
Transitional Phase: 2-4 Weeks
The second week brings significant changes for the puppies. Their eyes and ears open, with ears opening slightly by day 14 and eyes between days 10-16. Now, they learn what their mother and other dogs look and sound like. Their vocalization range expands, and by around the 15th day, they can support their body weight on their legs. They start walking at approximately day 21.
The third week is a period of rapid physical and sensory development. Puppies gain some independence from the mother, engaging in social play with littermates and learning the basics of dog behavior. Around this age, they begin to acquire some solid food from the mother. Baby teeth slowly break through the gums, with teeth fully emerged by 5-6 weeks. Puppies can now leave the nest independently for urination and defecation.
Socialization Phase: 4-12 Weeks
Puppies are now in the socialization phase, lasting until about the 10th week. They will remember interactions with the environment and caregivers/dogs during this period throughout their lives.
Starting from the fourth week, the mother’s milk production decreases, and the amount of milk is no longer sufficient to meet the energy needs of the puppies. Gradual weaning of the puppies begins.
The most critical phase occurs between the 6th and 8th weeks. During this time, puppies are most receptive to accepting new members into their family. External stimuli significantly drive the mental development of the puppies. By around the 8th week, puppies are typically completely weaned from mother’s milk.
Development 8-12 Weeks
Most puppies go through an fear phase during this time. They may approach new things more skeptically or fearfully. Anything causing them strong fear during this period can leave a lasting impression. Therefore, every puppy owner should avoid overstimulating the puppy. Gentle socialization helps prevent fear reactions in later life.
Puppies are now ready to move to their new homes. They will adapt better and be “easier” to train if they can spend some more time with their littermates. In Germany, puppies can be permanently separated from the mother at 8 weeks, but later is better. Because social play truly begins around the 8th week. These exercises with the mother and siblings help train bite inhibition, teach them how to behave like a dog, and find their place in the canine society. Puppies easily carry these learning experiences into a new home.
A dog still has much to learn even after the 12th week. Before a dog is physically and mentally mature, it must go through many more developmental phases.
