> Care
Puppy
Socialization
Virginia
Beach SPCA
http://www.vbspca.com
Maximize Your
Puppy's Potential
The full
potential of a puppy begins with early socialization. A young
puppy should be introduced to a variety of experiences to develop
its learning and training abilities. There is no way you can
compensate later in life for the socialization you failed to do
for a puppy.
A puppy's socialization takes place in its changing social
environment -- beginning with its mother and litter mates and
continuing as it is placed in a new home and, to the puppy, a
strange environment.
If a puppy is not socialized properly, it will learn from its
litter mates or develop habits on its own which may make success
in training more difficult.
Stages of
Socialization
Birth to
two weeks -- Intense mother-puppy interaction is necessary for
survival. Motor and sensory skills are severely limited. Mother
provides warmth and nourishment. Social behavior is minimal.
Gentle handling begins socialization; research suggests that
puppies handled at this age quickly grow accustomed to being
handled by people and such early handling provides a strong
foundation for control and training.
Three weeks -- Eyes and ears become functional. Puppy begins to
respond to surroundings. Motor system development means standing,
walking and chewing. Less dependent on mother, more in control of
bodily functions. Adult behavior patterns begin to develop.
Four weeks -- Critical socialization period begins; continues
through weeks 12 to 14. Puppy interacts primarily with mother; has
limited interaction with litter mates. Begins to lap up liquids
and nibble food. Weaning process is underway. Five weeks --
Interaction with litter mates increases: activities include
running, romping and fighting to establish dominance. Puppy
becomes responsive to humans. Contact with litter mates, other
animals and people essential to the development of acceptable
behavior patterns which continue into adulthood.
Six to eight weeks -- Key period of socialization. Puppy is weaned
by mother, grows more independent. Nervous system reaches
structural and functional capabilities of an adult dog. Puppy is
ready to learn. Ideal time for placement in new home.
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