What Is the Development of a Golden Retriever Puppy?

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds.

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, and for good reason. Happy, intelligent and trainable, they provide loyal companionship to the entire family for their entire 10- to 14-year life span. As puppies they are especially irresistible, and their soft, golden roly-poly-ness is often all that is necessary for them to find a home. The first year of the puppy's life is filled with growth and change, and it can be very entertaining to observe him as he learns to navigate the world.

Birth to 2 Weeks

Newborn puppies are blind, deaf and defenseless.

Puppies are born blind, deaf and defenseless. They are unable to eliminate on their own, and cannot even regulate their own body temperature. Newborn puppies spend all of their time sleeping and suckling, and this allows them to double their body weight within the first week. By 2 weeks of age, their ears and eyes should be open, although their vision is limited at first to differentiating between light and dark. Their hearing is perfect right away.

3 to 8 Weeks

A puppy can regulate his body temperature by four weeks of age.

During this period, the puppy's body begins to regulate its own temperature, although he will still cuddle with mom for warmth. This is a vital period for "imprinting," when the puppy essentially learns what it means to be a dog. His vision gets better, and he will begin to interact with littermates. He learns to purposely vocalize, and becomes curious about his surroundings. This is also the period where the puppy is gradually weaned from his mother's milk to dog food. By 8 weeks of age, the puppy can be placed in his permanent home.

9 to 14 Weeks

Exposure to new situations is vital to a puppy's development.

Socialization with people and other animals is vital during this period. A study done by behavioral veterinarian Dr. Joel Dehasse shows that by 14 weeks old, unsocialized puppies show fear rather than curiosity when confronted with new surroundings. This is the period when the puppy's personality develops and his mental capacity is in the perfect place to begin obedience training and house training. Puppies begin teething during this phase, and the new owner must work to direct chewing behaviors toward appropriate objects.

15 Weeks to 6 Months

Most veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering around 6 months of age.

This period of the puppy's development is similar to the "terrible twos" in human children. High levels of energy and curiosity tend to get her in trouble, and if her home is not "puppy-proofed," it will suffer. By 16 weeks old, most puppies have completed their vaccinations, enabling them to be safely exposed to a wider variety of surroundings. They will experience rapid growth spurts during this phase, doubling the puppy's weight at 4 months old will give new owners an indication of her adult weight. By now, house training should be complete or at least under way, and most veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering by 6 months of age.

6 Months to 1 Year

Young adult golden retrievers will still act like puppies.

By 6 months of age, the puppy's personality and daily routine are well-established. He understands his place in the "pack," although he may require frequent correction. Growth will taper off very gradually until about a year old, when most dogs reach their adult height. Some dogs will take a couple of extra months to fill out, especially females. The puppy's appetite will become less ravenous, although with golden retrievers, it's a very subtle change. At 1 year, the puppy is officially considered an adult, although he may retain some puppy behavior. This is also the time that many female dogs go into heat for the first time, although that can occur up to six months later.

References

• Mastamariner: How Puppies Develop
• Northwest K9: Sensory, Emotional, and Social Development of the Young Dog