Socialization is the name given to the next nine weeks, the growth period
lasting from three to twelve weeks of age. We have found that this period
can be divided into four stages, each of which is an important steppingstone
for the one that follows.
The dog’s primary social relationships develop during this time. If his
primary relationships are with people, the pup will be able to form lasting
relationships throughout his life, but the puppy that receives little human
contact during this time will find it difficult to adjust to humans as long as
he lives.
The puppy also needs to be with littermates and the bitch during the first
weeks of the socialization period. He needs to learn how to act around other
members of his own species, or he could become a dog that picks fights
easily or has problems with mating (if this should subsequently be desired).
We have divided the socialization period into four stages not only for
ease of discussion but also because the behavioral patterns of the puppy are
readily distinguishable and determined by their physical age.
