Puppy Stages

Stages of Puppy Growth and Development

Over the years, I’ve learned that there are several different ways to break down the stages of puppy development. Depending on the method you follow, some experts outline five stages, while others break it into as many as seven, starting from birth and ending when your dog reaches full maturity.

To keep things simple and easy to follow, I like to stick with five key stages of puppyhood. These cover the most important physical, emotional, and behavioral milestones your puppy will go through on their journey to becoming a happy, confident adult dog.

Neonatal Period (0 to 2 Weeks)

In the first two weeks of life, puppies are just beginning to experience the world. At birth, they can touch and taste, but their senses are still very limited. During this stage, they rely almost entirely on their mother or a surrogate for warmth, nourishment, and comfort.

What I see most during this time is how the puppies begin learning the very basics of social behavior through their interactions with their littermates. They also start to develop early coordination and instinctive roles within the group.

Newborns need to nurse about every two hours, either directly from their mother or, if needed, from a high-quality commercial milk replacer. This period is all about sleeping, eating, and staying warm, setting the foundation for healthy development in the weeks ahead.

Transitional Period (2 to 4 Weeks)

The transitional period is one of my favorite stages to observe. Around two weeks of age, the puppies begin to open their eyes and ears, and you can really start to see their little personalities take shape. Their senses are developing quickly, and they begin responding to light, movement, and sound for the very first time.

This is when I often notice the first wobbly steps, tail wags, and tiny play growls. They also start to interact more with their littermates, which helps teach them bite inhibition, body awareness, and the beginning of canine communication.

During this time, I continue to handle the puppies gently and frequently to help them grow accustomed to human touch. It is a short window, but it lays the groundwork for healthy social development and confidence later on.

Socialization Period (4 to 12 Weeks)

This is one of the most important and rewarding stages in a puppy’s life. Between four and twelve weeks, puppies are soaking up every experience, and what they learn during this time will shape how they respond to the world as adults.

During this stage, I begin carefully exposing them to different sounds, surfaces, objects, and environments. They meet new people, experience gentle grooming, and begin learning how to be comfortable in a crate and around household activity. It is also when I introduce Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI), both of which help support cognitive development and emotional resilience.

Puppies begin basic training during this period, and they learn a great deal from their littermates through play—things like bite control, body language, and problem-solving. They are also starting to build their bond with people, and that trust is something I nurture every day.

When your puppy goes home, they are usually right in the middle of this critical stage. That is why it is so important to continue socializing them gently and positively once they arrive. The more positive experiences they have now, the more confident and secure they will be as they grow.

Juvenile Period (3 to 6 Months)

The juvenile period is when puppies begin testing boundaries and gaining confidence in their independence. I often describe this phase as the “toddler stage,” because you can see them exploring more, learning faster, and sometimes forgetting the rules they seemed to understand just a week earlier.

At this age, I focus on reinforcing structure and consistency. Puppies need gentle correction and lots of praise to help them understand expectations. This is when basic obedience work starts to really stick, especially if families continue practicing simple commands at home.

Puppies also go through teething during this time, which means they may become more mouthy or eager to chew. I always make sure they have access to safe chew toys to protect both their gums and your furniture.

This stage is also when they begin to shift from being completely dependent to forming their own view of the world. It is important to keep exposing them to different people, places, and situations so they continue to build confidence. Even though they may act a bit bold or stubborn, they still rely on your leadership and guidance.

Adolescent Period (6 to 18 Months)

The adolescent period is when your puppy starts to resemble an adult on the outside, but still has a lot of growing up to do on the inside. This stage is often marked by bursts of energy, selective hearing, and the occasional testing of boundaries. It can be one of the more challenging phases, but it is also incredibly important for shaping a well-mannered adult dog.

During this time, your puppy may go through fear periods or display stubborn behavior. I always remind families that this is normal and temporary. Staying patient, consistent, and calm makes all the difference. Continue reinforcing training, reward good choices, and provide outlets for both mental and physical stimulation.

Hormonal changes also begin to emerge, and you might notice new behaviors related to maturity. If you have questions about spaying or neutering, this is a good time to consult your veterinarian.

Despite the bumps along the way, this stage is where your bond with your puppy can deepen the most. With clear guidance, love, and steady leadership, your adolescent Golden will grow into a confident, balanced adult who is a joy to live with.

I have found that understanding what to expect at each stage of a puppy’s development makes a real difference. When families know what behaviors are normal and when they tend to appear, they are better prepared to respond in ways that guide their puppies with patience and encourage the behaviors they want to see.

Source: https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/puppies/the-stages-of-puppy-growth-and-development