Drs.
Scott and Fuller were the first to document critical periods in
the development of the canine in 1953. Their efforts, recognizing
critical developmental periods, the importance of socialization,
the use of the puppy aptitude test and an effective breeding program,
resulted in the remarkable success rate of over 9O percent in producing
guide dogs for the blind. Clarence Pfaffenbeiger, Dr. Michael Fox
and Joachim and Wendy Volhard have further documented and supported
the results of Scott and Fuller.
Critical periods in a dog's life begin at birth, peak between six
and eight weeks, and extend to maturity. It has been proven that
environment and socialization make lasting impressions on the developing
dog. Breeders have an important responsibility
to provide socialization and richness of experience for puppies
in their care, this is especially important from the fourth to
eighth weeks of puppyhood. Pfaffenberger in his book "The
New Knowledge of Dog Behavior" states that from "three
weeks of age, when the learning stage began, to 16 weeks of age,
the character of a dog is formed. No matter how good his inherited
character traits, if they are not given a chance of expression
during this period he will never be as good a dog as he could
have been."
 Neonatal
Period-O to 13 Days
During this time the puppies require food and warmth. They are
not capable of regulating their body temperature or eliminating
without their mother’s stimulation. They I are aware of direct
contact.
Dr. Michael Fox conducted a study showing mildly stressing puppies
during the first five weeks develops dogs which are superior when
put in learning or competitive situations. They are better able
to handle stress, are more outgoing and learn more quickly. Mild
physical stress at an early age will actually increase the size
of the brain.
Some of you may have seen an article in the
"Hunter's Whistle" recently, an interview with Brittany
breeders Ron and Dot Stevenson. They have 30 years of experience
producing numerous dual champions. They believe puppies who are
destined for a lifetime of competition must be acclimated to stress
at an early age and they put their pups under stress from the
moment of whelping.They give the pups daily individual attention
and emphasize socialization.
 The
type of stress we are talking about is very mild during the first
week. Weigh the pups daily, placing them on a cool surface. On
successive days hold them one at a time firmly on one side for
10 to 15 seconds. The next day hold them on the other side, then
up in the air, head down, turn in a circle, etc. During the second
week, the stress is intensified by pinching the ear flap, the
webbing between the toes and placing them on a cookie sheet just
out of the refrigerator.
Transition period-13 to 21 days
Puppies' ears and eyes will gradually open. They will begin to
hear and will respond to taste and smell. This is the time to
introduce novel stimuli to the whelping box such as a plastic
milk bottle, knotted towel, cardboard box, etc. How about pheasant
or quail feathers? I find it best to put them in a small cloth
bag.
This is also a time to introduce puppies to friendly cats. It
is important to continue picking up the pups daily, admire them,
talk to them, and spend a few minutes with each one individually.
Future Am. & Can. Ch. Shadowmar
Barthaus Dorilio, BROM. |
Awareness Period
- 21 to 23 Days
This is a important subperiod of the Canine Socialization Period.
By 2l days the pups have the use of their senses and it is important
not to overload them. Radical changes in the environment must
be avoided, i.e. do not move the whelping box!
It is a time of very rapid sensory development. Individual attention
is continued. Also, take them two at a time to new floor surfaces
for about two minutes. Take different pairs each time. Each day
introduced a new surface such as concrete, linoleum, wood, carpet,
matting, etc. Taking them two at a time will make it less stressful
than one at a time. Very mild auditory stimuli is introduced,
such as a radio playing quietly.
Canine Socialization Period-21 to
49 Days
Pup learns he is a dog during this period. He must be kept with
his littermates and dam during this entire period. He will learn
how to stop mother’s discipline by acting submissively. Do
not wean the puppies at this time. They may be supplemented at
three weeks but it is left up to the dam how much nursing is done.
A puppy removed from its litter and dam during this period may
become overly noisy, a discipline problem, or a fighter. The mother
is allowed as much time with the pups as she wants.
 During,
the fourth and fifth weeks, puppies can go two at a time for short
car rides. Again, alternate puppies and do not always take the
I same two together. The dam can go along if she is a good rider.
Household noises are gradually increased, radio, dishwasher, TV,
hair dryer, vacuum, etc.
Individual attention is out of sight and hearing
of the mother and littermates. Puppies can be stood and brushed
with their bites checked daily. Introduce them to stairs (one
step at a time). Put them in a position where they have to solve
problems, walking through tunnels, for instance. Individually,
let them drag a show lead around. You don't want another puppy
to grab the lead-no tugging. Put a crate in the puppy pen.At five
weeks obedience training can begin in a totally positive fashion.
Give five minute sessions on sit, stand, down and leash training.
Use a plain buckle collar and do not pull or jerk the leash. Introduce
the pups to the outdoors. This is a good time for them to meet
new adults and children.
During the fifth and sixth weeks individual
attention is imperative. Clarice Rutherford and David Neil state
in their work "How to Raise A Puppy You Can Live With",
that during the sixth week, "It would be a catastrophe if
you neglected to give each pup individual attention. It puts you
in the category of being a producer, not a breeder and you should
never again have another litter in your care."
The 49th day is the ideal timing for the puppy
aptitude test to be done. The brain waves of the puppy are the
same as a mature dog, but the puppy is a clean slate. If the puppies
have been properly socialized and are not somehow traumatized
before the test (by being taken for their first car ride to the
test site, or being crated for the first time) the test is a reliable
measure of their suitability for whatever role in life they are
expected to fulfill. It is an excellent aid in placing puppies
in compatible homes.
10 week old Weimaraners from the breeding
of Gamekeeper Feltons, Dassel |
Go to part 2
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