Events during your puppy’s developmental stages can shape the way he behaves as an adult. Whether he grows up to be your best friend or haunted by behavioral problems can depend on how you handle your puppy during his developmental stages. Much of his behavioral, cognitive and emotional makeup will be established before adulthood. Understanding your puppy’s developmental stages can free you to raise your new best friend to be a healthy, happy adult. The following time periods approximate the normal stages.

Neonatal (days 1 to 12)

During this period your puppy’s eyesight and hearing are not well developed. He will stay close to his mother and litter mates. Some studies show that mildly stressing your puppy during this period will enable him to better