The Mammal Stage relates to the part of a puppy's life immediately after birth, while it's eyes and ears are closed off to the world. The puppy can't regulate its own body temperature and is completely reliant on mum to nurture it.
An essential, pivotal moment in all dogs' lives (as it is in humans), these few weeks are instrumental in determining not only the puppy's ability to deal with stress, but also how well he or she will enter the First Circle of Development (more on that to come).
Pog, my gorgeous puppy, has had the very best possible Mammal stage thanks to the loving support he received from his mum and family a few weeks ago. He's already moved on to the First Circle of Development, but I wanted to take a moment to reflect briefly on the Mammal stage.
Unfortunately, many dogs will have had either a traumatic Mammal stage or one that was lacking in their mother's calming regulation. This is the case with Olive. For those of you who know Olive she is the epitome of hyper-activity, she's over-excited most of the time and finds it hard to manage and regulate her emotions.
Over the coming weeks I'll be sharing tips on how to make inroads into healing behaviour patterns in dogs who have had a Mammal stage lacking in essential care.
Kate x
Read more about the Circles of Development:
As our canine companions navigate the journey of life, they progress through distinct developmental circles, each phase characterised by intricate shifts in behaviour, cognition, and emotional maturity. Deciphering these significant moments in a dog's existence is like unravelling chapters in a profound narrative—a story of growth, adaptation, and evolving needs.
Through exploring these developmental circles we can delve deep into the inner workings of a dog's mind. From the tender stages of puppyhood, where curiosity sparks the ignition of learning, to the adolescent phase marked by exploration and boundary-testing, each stage reveals a unique facet of their evolving persona. The brain, an ever-adaptive canvas, undergoes remarkable transformations throughout these circles, influencing behaviours and responses.
Our mission at Cottage Canine is to shed light on these stages, enabling you to comprehend and support your furry companions at every twist and turn of their developmental journey. By unveiling the intricacies of these growth circles, we will empower you with the knowledge to provide tailored support, nurturing your canine companions through each stage with care and understanding.
Book a developmental healing session with us here.