Bringing home a puppy is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of questions, especially when your new pup starts biting everything in sight or suddenly refuses to come when called. Many common behaviors are tied to your puppy’s natural development. By understanding each stage, you can respond with patience, consistency, and the right kind of support.
Stages of Puppy Development
Puppy development happens in measurable stages. Get familiar with the language of each stage to successfully raise a healthy, happy pup!
Early Socialization (3 to 20 weeks)
What’s happening: Your puppy is in a critical learning period. Their brain is highly impressionable, and experiences during this time leave a lasting impact.
What to expect: Curiosity, rapid learning, fear periods, and lots of energy. Your puppy may be bold one day and nervous the next.
What to do: Prioritize gentle exposure to a variety of people, dogs, sounds, surfaces, and environments. Focus on positive reinforcement and short training sessions. Begin crate training, name recognition, and basic cues like sit, come, and leash walking. Kim's K-9 offers specific courses and services to help with this stage in particular. Check out our puppy programs for guidance in these crazy early weeks!
Juvenile Period (3 to 6 months)
What’s happening: Your pup is beginning to test boundaries and gain independence. Baby teeth begin to fall out.
What to expect: Selective listening, biting, chewing, increased barking, and possible pushback on cues they previously knew.
What to do: Stay consistent with rules and routines. Provide appropriate outlets for chewing, and use training games to redirect energy. Be patient, it’s normal for puppies to go through a bit of a “teenage” phase here.
Adolescence (6 to 18 months)
What’s happening: Hormonal changes are affecting your pup's behavior and social confidence. Your dog may become more reactive or distracted.
What to expect: Regression in training, increased pulling on leash, testing of known cues, and shifts in how they interact with other dogs and people.
What to do: Stick with your training plan. Reinforce calm behavior, set clear boundaries, and continue structured exposure to the world. Daily mental and physical enrichment is key. This stage can be challenging, but it is temporary.
Social Maturity (1.5 to 3 years)
What’s happening: Your dog’s personality and behavior patterns are settling into what will likely be their adult temperament.
What to expect: A more confident, stable dog. Some may become more reserved with unfamiliar people or dogs, while others stay highly social.
What to do: Keep up with regular training and structured activities. Meet your dog’s needs based on their temperament. Continue to offer enrichment, set clear expectations, and support their growth into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Each developmental stage comes with its own challenges and opportunities. Understanding what your puppy is going through helps you respond effectively rather than react out of frustration. With clear communication, patience, and consistent training, your puppy can grow into a confident, happy adult dog.
Need help navigating these stages? Contact us today to learn more about our puppy programs and how we can support you and your pup every step of the way!
