Developmental Periods of the First Three Months
Summary of Puppy Behavior – WHAT TO EXPECT...
WEEKS 1–2 All activities are innate: sucking, crying, crawling and
touching. No sense of sight or sound. Susceptible to cold
or heat.
Must receive touching from bitch to stimulate elimination.
WEEK 3 Eyesight and hearing dim but rapidly improving. Begins to
walk briefly. Interested in littermates. Begins eating and
drinking and eliminates without stimulation.
WEEK 4 Needs stable environment. Becomes aware of a multitude
of sights and sounds. Learns that people are important.
Should remain with bitch as much as possible.
WEEK 5 Life has become exciting! Is not afraid. Becomes very
aware of people and likes to be with them.
WEEK 6 Has full use of eyes and ears. Legs are stronger and more
coordinated. Investigates everything in sight.
WEEK 7 Very involved in his own needs. Seldom responds to name.
(You must take the initiative if you want him to follow
you.) Can be started on house-training routine.
WEEK 8 Occasionally responds to name. Hesitant about
approaching new things.
Needs to take his own time when encountering new
experiences.
WEEK 9 Will follow for short distance. Likes to lie beside or on top
of your feet.
WEEKS 10–
12
Usually responds to name and comes when called from
short distance. Will come when he hears the food pan
rattle.
Learns to avoid being stepped on. More dependable with
house-training.
