Juvenile period (12 weeks to maturity)
After three months, puppies enter the juvenile stage of development. They begin to form secondary social relationships (those beyond their mother and littermates), there are fewer fighting bouts with siblings if they are still together, and they become more coordinated. Their permanent teeth begin to appear around week sixteen, and are usually all in by five to six months. Other adult behaviors, such as aggression for territoriality, protectiveness or dominance begin in both males and females. Changes in their stable relationships, their "place within the pack" may take place. They have as much ability to perform complex tasks as adults do, but struggle against their short attention span.
Dogs in this stage are said to be "testing the rules" and "seeing what they can get away with" much like teenaged children do. However, there are enormous developmental differences between human teenagers and 10-month-old dogs. Teenagers begin testing and challenging their parents as they prepare to separate from them and strike out on their own, and yet puppies are typically separated from their parents before they are 3 months old!
High levels of activity, playing, chewing and the like also characterize this period. Dogs are making the change from immature behavior to adult behavior. Consequently, their behavioral responses may be inconsistent from day to day, and they begin to misbehave in ways that they have not since they were much younger. These behaviors are not malicious "rebellion" but normal development and maturation. It is important to respond accordingly, properly supervise and control the juvenile, and give him more freedoms as his behavior becomes more consistent. Training during this developmental stage is crucial to maintaining those earlier learned good behaviors. Most dogs surrendered to shelters are between 6 and 18 months of age. By participating in a training program you can help ensure your pet is a cherished family member for years to come.
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