Dog Training Puppy Development Stages Questions and Answers Flashcards

During which developmental stage do puppies typically begin to develop fear responses to new stimuli?

Answer: Fear impact period (8-11 weeks)

The fear impact period occurs around 8-11 weeks, when puppies become especially sensitive to frightening experiences that can have lasting behavioral effects.

What is the primary reason puppies should not be separated from their littermates before 8 weeks of age?

Answer: They need to learn bite inhibition and social skills from siblings

Puppies learn critical bite inhibition and canine social communication from interactions with their littermates during the first 8 weeks.

At what age do most puppies enter the adolescent developmental stage?

Answer: 6 months

Adolescence typically begins around 6 months of age and is characterized by increased independence, hormonal changes, and testing of boundaries.

Which behavior is most characteristic of a puppy in the neonatal period (birth to 2 weeks)?

Answer: Responding primarily to touch and warmth

Neonatal puppies are born with closed eyes and ear canals, so they rely primarily on touch and warmth to navigate toward their mother.

What training approach is most effective during the secondary socialization period (6-12 weeks)?

Answer: Exposing the puppy to a wide variety of positive experiences

Controlled positive exposure to diverse people, animals, surfaces, and sounds during this critical window builds confidence and reduces future fear-based behaviors.

What is a common behavioral sign that a puppy has entered the 'flight instinct' period around 4-8 months?

Answer: Ignoring recall commands and wandering farther away

During the flight instinct period, puppies often test independence by ignoring previously learned recall commands and exploring farther from their owners.