Developmental Periods
NEONATAL
2
6
8
10
12
14
0
4
16
WEEKS OF AGE




TRANSITION


PRIMARY SOCIALIZATION
MATURITY
SEEXUAL









JUVENILE
There are particular developmental periods during which puppies are exceptionally sensitive to environmental influences. Early experiences are important in terms of their effects on later behavior. These developmental periods, or sensitive periods, are divided into four main stages: the neonatal, transition, primary socialization, and juvenile. The boundaries of the periods are gradual, rather than sudden.