Glory Ridge  Shih-Tzu
Professional Puppy Socialization
Notes From Dr. Bob Page DVM, with additions by Karen DeAngelo
These pictures are of Huny B. Bear as he grew. 

Neonatal Period:
1-14 days of Age
 
The puppy is born blind and deaf but has a good sense of smell.
Mainly interaction with bitch through nursing and warming.
Puppy has limited interaction with littermates.
All social interactions are care seeking behavior.
No control of urination or defecation, depends on Mother stimulation.
Nose pigment not 

Transition Period
15-21 days of Age

Start of independence.
 Eyes and ears become functional
Stands, walks, chews.
Controls bodily functions.
Develops adult social behavior patterns:
*wags tail
*plays with littermates-bites, chewing, pawing

Socialization Period
4-12 weeks of Age


Acquires almost all of adult sensory, motor, and learning abilities.
Most dramatic effect on ultimate adult behavior
early- care seeking activities
*strong attachment to dam
*distress vocalization when isolated
*fear response to strange objects or people
*Can be housebroke successfully starting at 10 weeks of age.
Starts eating solid food and drinking liquids.
Eruption of teeth
Establishment of "pecking order" 5-7 weeks
Pack or group-co-ordinated behavior
*exploring enviornment
*elimination areas of pen.

Breakdown of Socialization Period By Week

Week 4:

Critical period of socialization.
Interests mainly with DAM, learns care giving behavior.
Limiter interaction with littermates.
Reacts to emotional and social stresses with long lasting effects.
SHOULD NOT BE STRESSED by human handling more than necessary.

Weeks 5-7

Sensitive period of socialization
Increased interaction with littermates
*playing, fighting, dominance behavior
Puppy learns it is a dog
Isolation from peers:
*May cause abnormal adult sexual behavior
*Difficulty socializing with other dogs.
DO NOT TAKE HOME A PUP UNDER 8 WEEKS OF AGE!!!

Weeks 6-8


Maximum capacity for socialization to humans.
Mom naturally weans the pups. THEY should NOT be nursing after 8 weeks!!!
Nervous system reaches adult capacity
Learns readily
Bonds to humans.

Juvenile Period
12 Weeks to sexual Maturity
...

Behavioral activity and socialization depends on it's environment
Achieves social independence
Establishes dominances
Must receive training and discipline to become adjusted to home environment
Housebreaking established by 12 weeks or crate broke if properly trained with consistency


Karen@gloryridge.com


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