| Human
Socialization Period
50 to 84 Days (7 to 12 weeks)
This is the best time to place a puppy in his new home, since
he is now ready to transfer his affections from his dam to his
people. Pfaffenberger says, ”From now to the 16th week of
the puppy’s life, his basic character is set by what he is
taught. This will apply especially to his attitudes toward people
and toward his ability to serve them the very best he can."
Socialization must be continued.
During this time the puppy is given widely varied experiences
and meets as many people of all ages and w alks
of life as possible. Once a puppy is reasonably housebroken, I
take it to the bank, hardware store, pet shop, florist, playground
and everywhere possible with me. During the seventh week is a
good time to send a puppy the breeder plans to keep for an overnight
visit with a trusted friend. By ten weeks, puppies should have
separate living quarters, or at least separate sleeping quarters
if they are still in the same household.
Fear Impact Subperiod -8 to 10 Weeks
Experiences a puppy perceives as traumatic during this time are
generalized and may affect him all his life. It is a fact that
a dog is most likely to develop an avoidance response if subjected
to physical or psychological trauma during these four weeks.
Puppies should not be shipped during this period, elective surgery
should be put off until the 12th week, and necessary visits to
the vet should be made fun. Bring toys and ask the vet to play
with pup for a few minutes afterward.
Seniority Classification Period - 12 to 16 Weeks:
Otherwise known as the “age of the cutting’ teeth and
apron strings during this period, the pup is trying to figure
out who is boss. If still together, there is intense competition
between littermates. All tests of strength between person and
pup (such as tug of war) should be discontinued. All biting of
human hands, clothing, or leash should be discouraged. By 16 weeks,
the puppy’s emotional makeup is fully developed and cemented
for life, barring desensitization.
Flight Instinct Period 4 to 8 Months:
There is a time during this period, lasting two to four weeks,
when the pup will test his wings. He won't come when called, in
fact will run away. Just keep pup on a leash until this passes.
Second Fear Impact Period - 6 to 14
Months
This period is otherwise known as Teenage Flakiness! In large
breeds this period could extend longer since it is tied to sexual
maturity. Incidents may occur more than once. This is a fear of
new situations and  are
handled with the utmost patience. The dog is encouraged to work
it out on his own. If anything, it is better to ignore the whole
situation than to reinforce the fear by praising the dog or petting
him while he is afraid. When you "reassure" a dog with
pets and "it's okay, fella", you are telling him it
is okay to be frightened and you are creating a potential problem.
Young Adulthood - 18 to 24 months:
Many dogs will show a rise in their level of aggression during
this time. They may become protective and territorial, and may
make a new attempt to dominate owners. Incidents of teenage flakiness
may recur.To produce a potential "super" dog takes a
great deal of time and effort on the part of the breeder and new
owner. The above is an outline which will help those who have
the time and who wish to give their puppies every possible chance
of preparing to take the world by the tail and achieve their greatest
potential.
For those who have less time to spend with a litter, this can
serve as a guide helping maximize the quality of the time spent
and to pinpoint the best times during the pups’ development
to make the effort.
The absolute, bare minimum amount of individual attention a puppy
must have is as follows: Two minutes of attention two times during
the fourth week; ten minutes of attention two times during the
fifth week; a minimum of two ten minute sessions the sixth week;
and one-half hour once per week from 7 through 16 weeks.
Surely we all want to invest more than the bare minimum on our
litters of puppies whose pedigrees we have so carefully planned
and whose futures are so filled with hopes of bench, obedience
and field titles. Let's give our puppies a super start from the
whelping pen!
References:
Clarice Rutherford & David H. Neil. MRCVS.
"How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With." Loveland,
CO: Alpine Publications, 1981.
Clarence Pfaffenberger. "The New Knowledge
of Dog Behavior." NY, NY: Howell, 1979.
Wendy Volhard & Gail Fisher. 'Seminar: "All
You Ever Wanted to Know About Puppies and Dogs."
|
