Puppy development stages?

[Newfie in Oz]

Hello all,

I just had a few questions about the developmental stages a puppy goes through. I've read a lot of things about this recently and what I was wondering is, do Newfies, because of their size and slower growth, go through these periods at different times then, say, the average dog does, and if so, does anyone have any information on the developmental time frame specific to the giant breeds? When you read these things it they often make it sound so dire and make me worry about things like; did I do enough during 'X' time frame? I got him at 11 weeks instead of the prescribed 8-9 is his development going to be stunted etc...

Thanks in advance,

Glen

[ 02-07-2007, 07:43 PM: Message edited by: Newfie in Oz ]

 

[ardeagold]

I got him at 11 weeks instead of the prescribed 8-9 is his development going to be stunted etc...

Actually, for a Newf, you got him exactly at the RIGHT time. The majority go to their new homes at 10 weeks, at the earliest.

He had plenty of time with Mom and siblings to learn how to understand dog "speak". Now....you've got to learn to "speak dog"! Then he'll understand you perfectly!

From your question, I'd think you're talking about psychological development.

Well...just like kids, all develop differently, yet they all do tend to go through similar stages. It's just that the timing of any of these various stages may vary greatly, depending on the dog.

They do go through each of the stages later than large breeds, from our experience. They grow physically for a longer period of time, and I think they do the same psychologically.

 

[wrknnwf]

You may find this helpful Puppy Development

If you familiarize yourself with the different stages, you can be prepared when they come. There is no magic age, just a range of time.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

That is a good site, Jane. Getting your pup at 11 wks is good, Glen, as most breeders keep their pups until 10 wks to do cardiac heart checks. The 8-10 wk period is also considered a "fear" stage, and unfortunately many pups are put on planes to their new homes.

 

[sarnewfie]

the main reason i keep mine until 10 weeks is becouse they are done with the biting stage, that is crucial they go thru that complete stage, plus, when with mom, the more alpha personalities get ballsy and will challenge her around the nine week mark, and, the more they are with mom, the more they are disciplined in the best way possible, without any interference from myself.
waiting to get your pup rather than rushing to get them at early stages, does not allow for important development stages they go thru , that mom does the best job with.
it is good you waited.