The interaction of the puppies with the bitch and with littermates is
profoundly important for at least the first five weeks. If you want a puppy
that is well adjusted to his identity as a canid, then his relationships with
other dogs are very important. For example, the puppy learns from his
littermates and his mother just how much of a bite is too much. He learns
through this experience that he must control the use of his jaws.
As the pup approaches the age of five weeks, the period of curiosity, he
begins to explore and will leave his mother and his littermates at times.
Among wild canids, other adult members of the pack would interact with
the pup, but with the domestic dog, this is the point at which people begin
to take over the role of the canine mother, virtually reliving history and in
so doing reinforcing the domestication of the puppy into the human world.
Time spent alone with each puppy helps him learn that the name of the
game is to be with people and to pay attention to people. Personal attention
helps the puppy develop a feeling of his importance as an individual. This
in turn helps him grow into a happy dog eager to please his owner. One-onone
time with a puppy opens the second window of limited opportunity—
socialization. This period of time is between the fourth and sixteenth weeks
of age. Lack of socialization during these weeks inhibits social and
psychological development.
By the fifth week, twenty-nine to thirty-five days, the central nervous
system has developed substantially, and the puppies now have sight,
hearing, and smell (or scent) and are beginning to develop distance
perception. However, even though the pups need the stimulation of people,
sights, and sounds, emotionally they are still very immature and they tire
easily; therefore, a little attention goes a long way. At least once during this
week, but preferably twice, each puppy should be taken away from the
puppy-pen area for at least five minutes. The time can be spent with
informal play. Bend down so that your face is close to him, allowing you to
interact on your puppy’s level. Eye contact and facial expression offer a
more intimate interaction.
This is a good age for new people and children to play with the puppies,
provided caution is taken to see that the pups aren’t overstimulated. In fact,
if there are no children in the home, invite children to visit the puppies.
During the sixth week, thirty-six to forty-two days, it would be very
unfortunate if the breeder neglected to see that each pup got individual
attention. People who visit the puppies can help. In the fifth week, the pups
probably weren’t too interested in a person, but now, at six weeks, most
pups will run toward a person and try to climb into a lap or jump on legs. A
two-way communication system is developing.
During the session, call the puppy to you from three to five feet away (on
your knees and patting the floor or ground). Walk closely in front of him,
and coax him to follow by patting your leg. Sit down on his level for some
gentle play. Stroke the pup. Talk to the pup; with your voice, try to get him
to look at you.
Occasionally, there’s a puppy in a litter that acts shy and is uncomfortable
when taken to a different room or area. He may not want to come to you or
may not even want to walk around and investigate the area by himself.
When working with this puppy during his individual session, be sure that
you are where the pup can neither see nor hear his littermates. Sit down on
the floor or ground near him. Don’t lean over him—that will only make him
more fearful. Talk to him in a quiet voice. Pat your hand on the floor in
front of him. Try to get his attention. See if you can coax him to come to
you even if it’s just a matter of his moving a few inches. This pup needs
much gentleness. If you’re an impatient person, don’t try anything that will
make you irritated if the pup doesn’t respond the way you think he should.
Just spend the time sitting close to the puppy. If neither of you moves for
the first session or two, that’s the way it is. The puppy will gradually
become accustomed to your presence and will begin to approach you and
investigate. He should be placed with a person or a family that understands
that this puppy will require special attention to develop into a socially
functioning puppy, and that he will always remain very sensitive to his
environment.
