What should you expect from your Staffordshire bull terrier pup in the first six months?

Answer 1

Puppies start to learn from a very early age and they go through a number of growth stages to reach maturity. From birth to 12 days is the neonatal stage where the puppy cannot see or hear and has a poor sense of smell, taste and touch. At this stage the puppy is completely dependent on its mother and usually stays very close to its mother and siblings.

From 13-20 days the puppy undergoes a transition period where the eyes open and the puppy will begin to walk, although in a wobbly fashion. At about 19 days the puppy will begin to react to noises. At 20 days the teeth will start to come out and the puppy will start to bite and chew. Tail wagging also starts during this stage.

From 21-28 days the puppy becomes more aware and starts to use the senses of sight and hearing more. At this time it is important for puppies to have a stable environment and they should not be moved as this could scar them emotionally.

The period from 21 to 49 days is the period of socialisation when a puppy learns to use species-specific behaviours which makes him/her a dog. It's important for the puppy to still stay with its mother and littermates at this stage as this will teach the puppy proper behaviour around dogs, which includes greeting behaviour, body postures and expressions. During this stage a puppy also learns how to accept discipline.

From 7-12 weeks puppies usually enter a period called human socialisation which is the best time to introduce a puppy to a new home. During this period puppies learn very quickly and everything the puppy learns makes a greater impression on him/her than at any other time. During this time puppies should be exposed to as many things as possible, including children, old people, other dogs, walking on leashes and all kinds of noises to prevent the puppy from having an issue with any noise when he/she gets older.

From 8-11 weeks puppies enter a fear impact period where any traumatic, painful or frightening experience (like a trip to the vet) will have a more lasting impact on your puppy than at any other time.

From 13-16 weeks puppies start cutting their teeth and they will also become more indepent.

From 4 to 8 months puppies will start to test their wings where they will want to venture on their own and will sometimes turn a deaf ear when called. Your puppy may also chew more than at any other time as adult jaws only set in at around 10 months of age.

Staffies reach maturity at about 2 years of age.