DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES
All dogs predictably go through multiple developmental stages in the first year of life. The three key developmental stages for young pups are:
CRITICAL SOCIALIZATION WINDOW: 5-15 WEEKS
BATHROOM SOLIDIFICATION: 10 WEEKS
TEETH SHEDDING: 4-6 MONTHS
PUPPY GROWTH TRAJECTORY
All dogs predictably go through multiple developmental stages in the first year of life. The dog’s environment and treatment during these stages will shape their temperament for years to come. Careful management in the early months can increase the chances that the puppy glides through these difficult developmental stages easily and emerges as a happy, behaviorally healthy adult dog.
5-15 Weeks
CRITICAL SOCIALIZATION WINDOW
During this period, puppies learn what is “safe” and “normal” in their environment and what is not. Puppies who are not adequately socialized during this period may become fearful of unfamiliar things (this is especially a concern for puppies living in cities, doing public service work, etc.)
10 Weeks
BATHROOM SOLIDIFICATION
Ethologists have found that the 10 week mark is when the puppy generally develops a preference for where to use the bathroom. Puppies that are kept primarily indoors or are not taken outside very frequently may develop a preference for using the bathroom indoors.
4-6 Months
TEETH SHEDDING
During this period, the puppy’s baby teeth are pushed out of their mouth by their descending adult teeth. They become extremely “mouthy” – they want to bite and hold onto anything, especially human hands and arms.
PREDICTABLE CHALLENGES
Given the English Labrador’s selection history, there are a few undesirable behaviors that we can anticipate:
ENGLISH LABS LOVE TO CARRY THINGS IN THEIR MOUTHS.
Without training, this will predictably lead to them “steal” and chew or eat shoes, clothing items, food from the counter top, etc.
English labs adore people and are easily reinforced by our attention.
If not managed carefully, this can lead to pulling on leash toward strangers and jumping on people.
English labs are outdoorsy dogs with a modest but un-ignorable appetite for exercise.
If not exercised adequately, they can have a hard time settling down.