Puppy is able to use senses of sight and hearing.

Learning begins.

It is essential that the puppy remain with the litter and the mother.

Each day introduce a new surface such as concrete, linoleum, wood, carpet, matting, etc. Taking them two at a time will make it less stressful than one at a time. Very mild auditory stimuli is introduced, such as a radio playing quietly.

Learns to accept discipline from mother and to use submissive postures.

Learns not to bite too hard.

Learns to relate to other litter mates and develops a pack hierarchy through play.

Mother begins to wean puppies between 4-8 weeks, but should be allowed as much time with the pups as she wants.

Leaving the litter before 7 weeks can affect the puppy's ability to get along with other dogs later and they will likely have trouble learning to inhibit the force of their bite.

Put an open crate in the puppy pen. Clear distinction between sleep and play area should be made. This ensures the puppy can leave his sleeping area to eliminate. This will make housetraining later much easier.

Each puppy should have one-on-one individual attention with humans. Take two at a time for short car rides.

Occasionally isolate puppies to prepare them for separation.

Puppy's rate of mental development will now depend on the complexity of their environment. Exposure to a variety of noises and different floor surfaces is important.

Begin positive training sessions at 5 weeks.

The 49th day. The brain waves of the puppy are the same as a mature dog, but the puppy is a clean slate. Temperament testing can't be done until the 49th day.

Puppy should be completely weaned from mother.

This is the age when most rapid learning occurs. Greatest impact on future social behavior will be made by any experience that happens at this point.

The window of opportunity is closing. Although puppies can continue to learn to be comfortable with new things, it is not as easy.

Absolutely critical period in which puppy should be socialized - maximize this time! Enroll in a good puppy class!

Ideal time to capitalize on educating your puppy.

Take into account puppy's physical limitations and short attention span.

This period falls within the human imprint period.

Anything that frightens the puppy during this period will have a more lasting effect than if it occurred at any other time. This is where most severe phobias are imprinted. Use wisdom in taking your puppy to new places.

Important note, speaking to your puppy in a high pitched voice when it is frightened is the same as saying I want you to act scared. It is best to not say anything and remain calm and puppy will feed off your emotion.

Tone of voice is important:

a high pitched happy voice is praise to a puppy or dog

a monotone voice has a calming effect on a puppy

a very low growly voice is taken as reprimand or a scolding to a puppy

Puppy has been in the home for approximately six weeks. This period is known as the "period of cutting teeth and apron strings." Pups will attempt to clarify and resolve question of leadership.

If these things have not been provided, all heck is about to break loose!

A puppy will test its wings.

He may challenge you in an attempt to resolve the question of leadership.

He may not come when called.

He may not play fetch even though he once did.

He will be uncomfortable because his adult teeth are growing in.

This is the time when obedience schools get most of their calls. Puppies that have not been socialized and worked with take a different path in life than pups that have.

Be prepared with appropriate chew bones (large enough so that the pup will not choke) to help with your pup's need to chew. Use a long line in the park if your pup is not coming when called. Prevention is the best key in this stage. Prevent your puppy from being able to run away from you. Keep puppy on a leash or in a fenced area at all times.

Don't forget this stage is overlapping with the second fear imprint stage as well.

Corresponds with growth spurts. Therefore it may happen more than once as the puppy matures.

May suddenly be apprehensive about new things or shy or timid of new people or situations. Most of height growing is over, but pup will start to fill out over the coming year.

Puppy begins to mature sexually: male begins to lift leg, and female has first heat period anywhere from 6-12 months. Puppy coat being replaced by adult coat, starting down the spine.

This is a fear of new situations and are handled with the upmost patience. The dog is encouraged to work it out on his own. If anything, it is better to ignore the whole situation than to reinforce the fear by praising the dog or petting him while he is afraid. When you "reassure" a dog with pets and "it's okay, fella", you are telling him it is okay to be frightened and you are creating a potential problem.

If your puppy appears apprehensive, avoid confrontation.

Build confidence through training.

Avoid any potentially overwhelming circumstances you cannot personally oversee, such as shipping your pup in the cargo bay of an airplane.

Refers to sexual maturity as opposed to being full-grown. Smaller dogs mature earlier, larger dogs later. If you were lax in your work earlier on, you may now see the things you have missed: object guarding, unfavorable reactions towards unfamiliar people, animals, or things that your dog missed during the socialization stage.

You will know when your dog can be trusted by testing him for short periods (10-15 minutes) while you leave the house. If your dog is damaging property while loose, he is not ready.