The first year in your baby's life
by Aunt Kathy Iliff


8 Weeks to 11 Weeks/Fear Impact Period

As the name of this period indicates, this period represents "fear" for the puppy. Any experience that causes your puppy to be frightened or traumatized, to endure any physical pain will mentally scar your puppy more now - and for a longer amount of time - than if it were to occur during any other time period.

Unless the mental or physical pain was caused by you (or any new owner), your puppy will not associate the incident with you. Instead, he or she will make the association with the actual experience.

For example, many puppies visit the veterinarian during this period and one negative experience might negatively influence future visits. Or, if the puppy is frightened by a booming thunderstorm, it could make him or her scared for future storms.

13 Weeks to 16 Weeks/Seniority Classification Period

Also commonly known as the "Age of the Cutting" this is when the puppy begins the unpleasant growing experience of cutting teeth. You can expect physical discomfort and crying during this period - especially during the nighttime when your puppy (and you) are trying to sleep.

eDuring this period, the puppy is also "cutting the apron strings." Your puppy wants to find out for himself exactly who is the boss! You will need to remind your puppy that you are the boss, so you may need to intensify your training and correct him when he disobeys your authority.

Games that test strength, such as tug of war, should be discontinued between you and your puppy during this period, because they re-enforce competitiveness. Also, biting on hands, the leash, and any object should be discouraged.

4 Months to 8 Months/Flight Instinct Period

This period is appropriately called the "Flight Instinct Period" because your puppy will want to "test his wings." This period usually lasts between two and four weeks at any point in this four month range.

The biggest challenge during this phase is getting your puppy to come to you when you give the "come" command. Your puppy will most likely ignore you, or run in the opposite direction! Therefore, it is best to keep your puppy on a leash during this period.

It is important to recognize this period when it is occuring so you can respond correctly. Obedience training prior to this period is recommended so he will have a better understanding of the command.


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