Growing up Beardie ;)

Lilly and Ginny

Early Puppy Development

The early physical and mental development of your Bearded Collie Pup from birth to 8 weeks + is commonly divided into development periods, neatly described by from ... to .... in days or weeks. While this is useful as a rough guideline, the emphasis should be on the term 'development'. New studies comparing breeds show that there is great variability within breeds as well as definate differences in development between breeds.

Neonatal Phase ( Birth to 14 Days)

During this phase the pups depend entirely on their mother, but can respond to touch, temparature change and are able to smell and taste. Motor skills are limited to a set of adaptive behaviour patterns. Bodily functions are stimulated by the mothers massage of the bowl area. Puppies can neither hear nor see during this time. The puppies behaviours are matched by the mothers. When the puppy cries - if it looses contact with its littermates or mother - she will located and bring back the puppy. This special vocalization is lost later, as different types of sounds are learned by the pups.

Transition Phase ( 14 days - 21 days)

Now we see rapid change in the puppies ability to perceive the outside world. Eyes open, folowed by the ears and the first set of teeth. Motor skills develop, as the puppies learn to stand and walk. They are now able to poop and pie on their own, without stimulation from the mother.

With their ability to smell and 'see' the world puppies turn outward. They explore their 'den' working hard to learn the skill of walking, the start to use their mouth for more than drinking, grabbing their own legs, a litter mates body or legs even their muzzle.

play with objects-Desktop

Primary Socialization Phase ( 3 weeks - 12 weeks)

The puppies are now ready to explore and learn. Their senses have improved: eye are able to focus on objects. They are able to preceive and react to what they hear, see and smell. This is the time to expose the puppies to the normal life outside the welping box in the breeders home. The puppy's litter mates and of course his mother are an important safe haven, from which the puppy can explore the world.

During this time the puppy develops proper social behaviour with other dogs and its 2 legged people. Dogs are able to socialize both with their own species and humans.

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