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Early environmental influences
contribute significantly to a dog reaching his full potential.
As soon as the animal is born, the environmental stimuli begin
to contribute to who he will become and what his behavior will
be. Search dogs must be temperamentally and emotionally stable
because they will be placed under extreme stress during a
search. They will be asked to perform under a variety of
different circumstances and conditions. They will need to fall
back on both sound genetic temperament and the emotional
strength that comes from an adequate or exceptional upbringing. Genetics are responsible not only for physical structure, but also instincts, intelligence, energy level and a willingness to please you. The ability to learn quickly is an inherited trait passed on to offspring. Experiences in the first few months of a puppy’s life become ingrained and have a permanent impact on the dog’s future personality and behavior. As they mature, puppies pass through several stages. Neonatal Period Birth to 2 weeks Puppies are born with eyes and ears closed, Their experiences are thru touch and smell. They are able to sense heat, cold, and texture. They are totally dependent upon their mother for everything, even the stimulation of bowl and bladder function.Transitional 14 to 21 days The puppy’s nervous system undergoes rapid development. The eyes and ears open, and baby teeth appear. He begins to stand up and by three weeks will try to explore his environment. He begins to interact with littermates and learns play behavior. By 21 days the puppies are able to lap food from a bowl, though they continue to nurse. Socialization 3 to 12 weeks of age This is when the puppy is learning about the environment. His primary relationships are formed. He is incredibly impressionable and all experiences, positive and negative are recorded permanently in his memory. During the socialization period it is essential to provide the puppy with a stimulating environment and personal attentions from humans. The puppy needs to be picked up, stroked and held in different positions. Older puppies love to play chase games, and most will show the desire to chase and pick up objects. It is a great time to teach to retrieve. Some one on one attention to the puppy helps him develop as an individual. Social 3-5 weeks From 3-5 weeks the puppy learns to relate to its littermates as pack members. The bitch teaches her puppies canine body language, which he will need the rest of his life to be adaptive. At about 5 to 7 weeks the puppy begins to interact more with people and begins to perceive them as members of his pack. Puppy who have received little or no human contact during this period may have lifelong difficulty relating to people. Generally Seven weeks of age is the ideal time for a puppy to go to his new home. At seven weeks of age, most puppies give a fairly good indication of what they will look like as adults standing and moving. The eighth week is often called the fear period because a bad experience at this time can permanently imprint on a puppy’s mind. Nine to twelve weeks the puppy continues to develop it responses to different environments and people in them. He spends time exploring and is very responsive to people. Physical Development 3 – 5 weeks The puppies limbs are developing. At 6 weeks of age the puppy has a full repertoire of physical activities. A puppy is able to respond to a person’s commands with simple movements. (here puppy puppy). Choosing a male or female can be a difficult decision. Physically male dogs are usually taller and heavier boned. They tend to have larger, more impressive heads and longer, denser coats. Intact males have a tendency to be more aggressive toward other intact males and may be more likely to roam. They also seem to have a more consistent activity level. Females have a tendency to be more quiet and focused. During the time of their heat cycle they may be moody and have a lower energy level.
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Cross Roads Search and Rescue of
Illinois, Inc. |