Puppy socialization stimulates the five senses of a young dog. It is the introduction, exposure and desensitization to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touch of everyday life. The socialization period conditions a puppy to the many different situations he needs to be familiar with and comfortable around. It also prepares him to deal in an appropriate manner with the new experiences and challenges which inevitably arise throughout life.
The most critical period of socialization for a puppy is between 8 and 16 weeks of age. But earlier socialization is also very important and begins with the breeder.
Some of the socialization stimulation Lakecrew PWDs will provide the puppies we breed:- People: We will invite a variety of people in to meet and handle the puppies.
- Dogs and Cats: The puppies will be exposed to our 2 PWDs as well as our 2 cats.
- Objects: The puppies will be introduced to a variety of different objects, such as boxes, bags, pans, toys, etc.
- Noises: At 3-4 weeks of age, our puppies will be moved from their whelping box in a back bedroom to an x-pen in the kitchen. There they will be exposed to the sounds of everyday life... cabinet doors closing, dishes rattling, furniture moving, dishwasher swishing, vacuum cleaner roaring, people talking and laughing, dogs barking, etc.
- Surfaces: Puppies will learn to negotiate slippery floors, rough concrete walks, and uneven sloping terrain.
- Grooming: The puppies will be brushed, bathed, have nails clipped, and be exposed to grooming shears.
Check out photos of people handling puppies from our Fall 2011 litter!
(Click on any thumbnail to open the full-size photo; scroll through the gallery by clicking on the left or right side of each photo.)
