Puppy
Socialization
Animal psychologists, research scientists and
people who train dogs to work closely with people, such as trainers of
seeing-eye dogs, have found that the first few weeks of a puppy's life
is a critical time. The treatment a puppy receives during this stage determines
whether he will become a mentally stable, trustworthy dog that likes people
and is able to fit into their particular lifestyle. In general, the dog
that is to be a reliable show dog or loving pet must be cuddled often,
and experience pleasurable associations with people from a very early age. 
It
is the duty of every creditable breeder to be willing to commit the amount
of time necessary to socialize his puppies before he decides to breed his
bitch. The behavior of his puppies, whether they are show prospects or
pets, reflects on the breed and on his kennel name, two very good reasons
for giving the puppies the kind of exposure to human companionship that
will turn them into desirable adult dogs. This is not to deny heredity,
but to stress the importance of human association in the early weeks of
a puppy's life.
Some
experts feel that the first three weeks of a puppy's life are completely
taken up with nursing, sleeping and keeping warm snuggling with his litter
mates and dam, and that people-geared socialization should begin after
these first three weeks. Others feel that it should begin right away, but
that the form varies with the age. During the first weeks while the puppy
is still gaining strength and weight and until his eyes are open, socialization
should consist of simply holding the tiny pup, stroking its back and tummy
for a few minutes and then putting it back with its mother. This should
take place with each puppy, every day. As the puppy grows older, the time
can be lengthened.
When
the puppies are old enough to start eating solid foods, you can reinforce
the pleasure contact by feeding them by hand. Basic training and developing
receptivity to further training when they are older takes place at this
point, so when you call them to you for the hand-held food, always use
the same catch phrase. When the puppies are about a month old it's time
to reinforce their sense of self-sufficiency and ease in new surroundings.
This will also ease the transition to a new home. Remove the pups from
their whelping box, which until now has circumscribed nearly their entire
world, and take them to a different scene. The pup with the most adaptable
nature is the one who will immediately move about and begin to explore
this new setting.
Puppies that are frightened and do not relax after a short time in this
new environment should be put back with their mates until next time.
When they are six weeks old, puppies can be further
disposed to training by putting a collar on them so they will get used
to the feeling of it. Then put on the leash, not to take them for a walk,
but just to let them run around in it so they get used to the idea. Later,
more serious training can take place by the new owner with the puppy that
is taking his place as a temperamentally sound, self-assured, friendly
youngster in the world of his human companions.
