SECOND CRITICAL PERIOD

(Fourth Week)

NEW ACTIONS AND REACTIONS

All senses are functioning. The pup can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. You will notice a loud noise or fast movement will cause the pup to startle. Studies have shown profound changes are now occurring in the brain waves. The pup stops all neonatal behaviour such as crawling and swinging the head from side to side. The pup whines much less. He doesn't sleep as much. He will leave the nest area for a considerable time by himself or with another puppy, but will not travel very far away.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This is perhaps the most critical of all the periods. Before this time the pup was insulated from the environment emotionally, but now suddenly he can see and hear and he discovers the world to be a very scary place filled with strange noises, sudden movements and contrasting shades of dark and light. Unless this period is handled with care he can become so emotionally upset it will remain with him for life. For this reason any changes in his environment should occur wither before or after this period. This is definitely not the time to move his whelping box to a different location, or to introduce him to the neighbour's children.

However, common sense should be used. I knew one breeder who adhered to the established critical periods, and during this week would seal off the whelping room, disconnected his doorbell, his telephone, and refuse to even enter the room for fear of upsetting the pups with a strange noise. While the pups do need a carefully controlled environment, they also need contact with humans (preferably their breeder or other responsible adults). While you certainly wouldn't want to go into the room and drop a metal feeding pan, or allow a screaming youngster to enter the area, you do not have to go overboard. Use your common sense in going about the daily routines.