Why Dogs Change After 16 Weeks of Age?

Dogs go through development phases just like us and we have learnt more and more about this over the years through on-going studies in canine behaviour. We now know that the most important socialisation period for dogs is the first 16 weeks of age and that lack of socialisation within this period can cause permanent behavioural issues. But why?

Fear instinct kicks in at 12 weeks of age

When puppies are born they are very helpless and only focused on survival, doing things on instinct such as eating, defecating and sleeping. They pay little interest in the environment for the first few weeks, getting used to it in the background. From 4 weeks of age puppies start to get a little bit more active and interested in the surroundings and this increases in the weeks to come, 5-6 week old puppies can already be quite playful and curious.

Their own littermates, mum and the home they were born in are comfortable, familiar things for them and before the puppies are given to their new homes at 8 weeks of age they should already be introduced to things such as grooming, washing, patting, range people, other dogs (familiar family dogs), car drives and the world outside their home in a safe way to ensure confidence later on. The less the breeder does this the more insecure and anxious the puppies can be depending on their natural confidence and personalities.

When a puppy is separated from their familiar environment they can then get very insecure and timid since it’s a completely new situation for them. 8-12 weeks of age is the most crucial socialisation period when a puppy is still more adaptable and open to new things than later on. And at 12 weeks the natural fear instinct really starts to kick in, making it more difficult to socialise and build positive associations with the world. After 16 weeks of age the socialisation window closes and dogs can get very anxious and fearful of new things. 

After 16 weeks of age survival instinct gets very strong

Survival instinct protects us and keeps us safe from danger. This is what really kicks in after 16 weeks of age when puppies are old enough to truly take on the world. This is why puppies’ behaviour can change dramatically after this time. This is also when we start seeing the results of our socialisation. If done well a dog continues to thrive and feels positive, safe and happy out and about and in new situations. If done badly or not enough, this is when we start seeing fearful responses if they weren’t happening before. Why? Because now the dog isn’t only more cautious but also more confident to show how they feel. This can cause reactivity and aggression issues, which 90% of is fear based.