Module 1: Puppy Development

Foundations for Life
Understand the critical early stages that shape your puppy’s future.

Module 1

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    1.1 Developmental Stages

    Objective: In this section, we’ll explore the three key early stages of puppy development

    Topics Covered:

    • The neonatal stage (0–2 weeks)- where puppies are completely dependent on their mother and guided by basic reflexes.
    • The transitional stage (2–4 weeks)- when their senses open and early mobility and social awareness begin.
    • The socialisation stage (6–16 weeks)- a critical learning window where positive experiences shape confidence, behaviour and emotional resilience for life.

    1.2 Fostering Safe Introductions

    Objective: In this section, we’ll explore how early introductions, socialisation and safe exposure to the world shape your puppy’s lifelong confidence, resilience and behaviour.

    Online Dog Training on Laptop
    South Auckland Dog Trainer
    Happy Dog

    Topics Covered:

    • How to structure positive introductions with people, dogs, environments, sounds and everyday experiences.
    • How to safely get your puppy out and about before vaccinations are complete while protecting their health.
    • Why the 3–16 week socialisation window is critical for preventing fear and building adaptability.

    1.3 Creating Safe Routines

    Objective: In this section, we’ll explore how choosing and using the right equipment including feeding strategies, toys and crates; supports your puppy’s safety, learning, confidence and daily development.

    Topics Covered:

    • How appropriate equipment (leads, collars, harnesses, crates and food) shapes training clarity, safety and structure.
    • How purposeful toy use and positive crate training support enrichment, emotional regulation and independence.
    • How feeding can be used as a powerful daily training and confidence-building tool.

    1.4 Early Learning Techniques

    Objective: In this section, we’ll cover key early training and developmental behaviours including luring, teething and mouthing and how to guide them in a way that builds clarity, confidence and appropriate habits.

    Topics Covered:

    • How luring helps puppies quickly understand new behaviours and builds early training success.
    • Why mouthing is normal and how to teach bite inhibition and appropriate interaction through redirection and consistency.
    • What to expect during teething and how to manage chewing safely and constructively.

    1.5 Recognising Red Flags

    Objective: In this section, we’ll explore normal fear periods and how to recognise the difference between temporary developmental caution and true red flag behaviours that require support.

    Topics Covered:

    • What fear periods look like at different ages and how to respond in a way that builds confidence.
    • Key red flag behaviours that signal chronic stress, poor coping skills or emerging behavioural concerns and when to seek guidance.
    • The difference between normal startle-and-recover behaviour and escalating or persistent stress responses.

    1.10 Quiz & Reflection

    Objective: Guide you on creating an environment that supports focus and reduces distractions.

    Activity: Set up a designated training space at home. Create a safe, distraction-free area where you can practice commands and reward your dog.