Puppies go through seven major stages as they mature into full grown adult dogs. Throughout these stages, their personalities are formed and they develop socially according to their environmental impacts. Being informed and aware of their needs as they grow, can be a big help in raising a well-socialized, well-mannered dog.

Birth – 2 Weeks:
At this earliest stage, puppies depend entirely on their mother for physical and emotional necessities. The pup has slow reflexes and responds primarily to warmth and food. Only the senses of taste and touch are present at birth.

2 Weeks – 4 Weeks:
Puppies are still primarily dependent upon their mothers at this stage, although they also benefit from the presence of siblings, or littermates. Their senses begin to develop, as their eyes begin to open and their teeth, along with their sense of smell begins to develop. They are starting to stand and wag their tails. They are sensitive to loud noises and sudden changes in the environment. They are beginning to explore their environment.

3 Weeks – 6 Weeks:
This is the period of heavy socialization and puppies learn a great deal about social etiquette from their littermates and their mother, and from biting and being bitten. They are becoming aware of their environment and are able to play with people and other animals. This is the beginning of weaning and puppies must be remain close to their mother and littermates or it will be more difficult to socialize and train them later. Positive experiences are a necessity during this time, as they also discover fear by the end of this period.

7 Weeks – 12 Weeks:
The socialization process is in full swing by this point. Everything your puppy does and everything your puppy comes in contact with will have a lasting impression on him. This is also a marked period of fear for your pup and it is believed that if your puppy has a fearful experience during this period, it is more likely to have a long term effect on your dog. Thus, it is important to make new experiences as positive as possible for your puppy. This is a good time to introduce training into their lives.
Make your puppies experiences positive. Gentle training and positive reinforcement work best. The Field Spaniel is a gentle breed, both physical reprimands or yelling can result in a fearful timid dog. Treats and praises work best.
During this stage, contact with children should be gentle (as it always should), gently calm petting. Picking up the puppy by young children is not advised without close supervision. Dropping the pup or being rough could result in injury or fear of children.

3 Months – 6 Months:
This stage of development is the most similar to the human toddler stage. At this stage, puppies are the most heavily influenced by the closest animals, or their littermates. They are fully into the social stage and start to understand and take positions in the “pack.” They begin to test their independence at this stage, and often take a rough and tumble form of play to test their position in the pack. Teething is a constant issue at this stage.

6 Months – 1 1/2 Years:
Watch out! It’s the beginning of adolescence for your dog. At this stage, they begin to challenge rules and authority, and tend to explore who the leader is. It’s important to establish yourself as the leader during this period. Be stern with your pup for your own long term benefit. They are beginning to look like full grown, mature dogs, but still a puppy at heart!

This is also the beginning of sexual maturity and male dogs will begin to mark their scent while female dogs will begin their heat cycles.