Puppy Development Stages Flashcards
7 cards from real Dog Training practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Puppy Development Stages flashcards as text
Which stage is characterized by puppies first standing, walking unsteadily, and wagging their tails?
Answer: Transitional period (about 2 to 3 weeks)
During the transitional period puppies begin to stand, take wobbly steps, and show early tail wagging.
The 'critical period' concept in puppy development refers to a time when:
Answer: Experiences have an especially strong, lasting impact on behavior
A critical period is a window when experiences shape behavior more powerfully and lastingly than at other times.
Exposing a puppy to varied surfaces, sounds, and handling before 12 weeks primarily builds what?
Answer: Confidence and resilience to new experiences
Early, positive exposure to diverse stimuli builds a confident, adaptable adult dog.
How should a breeder or owner introduce new experiences during socialization?
Answer: Positive, gradual, and paired with rewards
New experiences should be gradual and positive, often paired with treats or praise to build good associations.
What is a key risk of under-socializing a puppy during the critical window?
Answer: Increased fear, anxiety, or reactivity as an adult
Puppies that miss early socialization are more prone to fear, anxiety, and reactivity later in life.
Modern guidance often supports starting puppy classes before full vaccination because:
Answer: The behavioral benefits of early socialization can outweigh limited disease risk in controlled settings
Veterinary behavior groups note that controlled early socialization usually outweighs the limited disease risk in clean, vaccinated class settings.
By what age is the prime socialization window generally considered to be closing?
Answer: Around 12 to 16 weeks
The most receptive socialization window generally begins to close around 12 to 16 weeks of age.