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The hypothesis of the critical period states that all highly social animals go through delimited periods early in life crucial for the formation of positive relationships between the individual animal and the animals of the group. These periods have anatomical, physiological, and psychological determinants. They are specific for individual and species. The social development of the individuals within a species is correlated with the social organization of the adults within the species.
In the dog the critical period of primary socialization begins at three weeks of age and ends at seven to ten weeks of age. Before this period the puppy is insulated from its environment by its immaturity and by maternal care. By the beginning of this period all senses are at least partially functional. Its central nervous system is developed, though not completely matured. During this time the feeding relationship is important, but not the sole factor. The puppy now shows its capacity for conditioning and for emotional responses. Scott discusses these data as suggesting the existence of similar critical periods in human development.