What are key developments of the transitional stage?

• A. Eyes open, hearing develops, puppy becomes exploratory, capable of standing, and begins self-elimination; influenced by mother and littermates.
• B. Puppies are still blind and deaf and cannot regulate their body temperature.
• C. The puppy is fully trained to respond to cues.
• D. The puppy's growth plates close.

Answer: (A)

The transitional stage is when puppies start moving from being completely dependent to beginning to explore and interact more with their world. Sensory systems come online, with eyes opening and hearing developing, which fuels new exploration. They gain more motor control, can stand and move around, and begin to show initial self-elimination patterns, guided by the dam and littermates' social cues. The dam and littermates influence this period by providing grooming, physical cues, and early social interaction that shape behavior and self-control. This fits best because it highlights the key sensory, motor, and social changes that define this stage, unlike earlier neonatal immaturity, later cue training, or physiological changes that occur much later.