At 10 weeks old, your puppy is entering a significant phase in their development. This is typically the age when they transition to their new home. While puppies are typically ready to leave their mothers and littermates by 8 weeks, many breeders and rescues prefer to wait until they are 10 weeks old to ensure they have more time to develop social skills with their birth family.
When my Pit Bull mix, Mookie, joined our family at 9 weeks old, his unique personality quickly shone through. He was affectionate, playful, and full of energy. This period, between 9 to 12 weeks, is crucial for puppy socialization, allowing them to learn how to interact with other animals like cats. Our cats understood that Mookie was a young pup and guided him in play. If he got too rough, they gently corrected him, and he learned quickly. It’s no surprise that a 10-week-old puppy is eager to learn and explore.
Here are some insights into what you can expect from your 10-week-old puppy:
Experiencing a Fear Period
Between 8 to 10 weeks, many puppies may go through a fear period. This can manifest as heightened fear or anxiety towards new people, animals, or situations. It’s essential to remain calm and positive during this phase to reassure your puppy. Avoid coddling them excessively as it can reinforce their fearful behavior. Instead, demonstrate confidence and set a positive example for your puppy to follow.
Learning Bite Inhibition
By spending time with their siblings, puppies should have learned bite inhibition by 8 weeks old. However, a 10-week-old puppy may still exhibit mouthing behavior due to teething and playfulness. Encourage proper chewing behavior by redirecting them to chew toys when they attempt to nip at hands or clothing.
Curiosity and Exploration
At 10 weeks old, puppies are eager to explore their surroundings using all their senses. It’s important to create a safe environment for your puppy by removing potential hazards and supervising them closely. Limit their exposure to unfamiliar dogs and environments until they are fully vaccinated, while providing socialization through interactions with humans and safe animals.
Playfulness and Engagement
At this age, puppies are highly playful and benefit from engaging toys that stimulate their minds. Puzzle toys can provide mental challenges and rewards for your puppy as they learn to solve simple puzzles. As they grow more adept, you can introduce more complex puzzles to keep them engaged.
Summary
A 10-week-old puppy is in a phase of rapid learning and development. They are active, curious, and adorable, making this a memorable time in their growth. Enjoy this stage and capture plenty of memories with your growing pup!
Featured Image Credit: AndreaObzerova | Getty Images
