Pet Forums Community - View Single Post - Help! Training Puppy around 3 dogs and another puppy?

fun4fido · #31 (**permalink**) 28-07-2008, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoubleTrouble

One thing I would have to disagree on on this one - 12 weeks imo is way too long for a pup to remain with the litter, the majority of weims I know on with problems have been due to 'unsufficient socializing (between the 8-12 week period' )usually solded cheeply by PF's between 12-16 weeks of age, don;'t imagine I am alone on this
regards
Sue

Hi Sue,

I do appreciate what you're saying. It has been the norm for a puppy to leave the litter at 7/8 weeks. However I now only work with Breeders who keep the puppy with the litter until at least 10/12 weeks.

A good breeder should have a structured socialization program, (which actually starts gradually at 3 weeks and builds up), so a puppy going to a new home at 10/12 weeks will already have had plenty of socialization and exposure to different stimuli.

Far from being sold cheaply I actually pay more to have the breeder start the socialization program, and also do some basic training. When Harley arrived in his new home he already new his name, and the requests 'sit', 'stay', 'come', and his heel work was just beginning.

Of course when I say he already new these requests I don't mean he did as I asked every time

this is something I have worked on and now he does listen, and does as asked first time.

There is now a new school of breeders realising that it is often in the best interest of the puppy to stay within the familiarity and stable environment of the litter during the 'Sensitive Phase' of development, which can be at any time from 7 to 9 weeks.

At this time, the most ordinary events may frighten the puppy and have a profound and possibly lasting effect on its personality. Breeders can minimize stress to the pups by keeping the litter together for another week or two and maintaining the familiar, stable environment.

The breeder must sensitively and systematically introduce different objects, people and situations. The pups will be less threatened and have a greater chance of coping with the new stimuli if their surroundings are familiar and comfortable during the critical fear period.

In addition at around 8 weeks interactions between litter-mates becomes more intense and serious in forming the hierarchy. What used to appear as playfulness over a toy now literally becomes tug-of-war and a serious challenge for social position. These interactions involve complex body language and vocalizations, and prepare the animal for future canine relationships.

Also a good breeder will request that a professional canine behaviourist perform an aptitude test around this time. This is not stressful for the pups, and it is the best way of trying to ensure that the right puppy goes to the right owner. i.e. It would not be good to give a very dominant dog to a first time dog owner.

Of course it is also desirable (distance permitting), that the new owner should visit the breeder during this time and spend one-on-one time with their intended puppy.

Today, through the work, writings and observations of a great many people interested in the welfare of canine companions, we know that the socialization period does not end at sixteen weeks. Socialization is an ongoing process that must continue throughout the dog's life to maintain a stable and suitable temperament.