Puppy Socialization Check List

 

Week 1-2 – The Neo Natal Period

_ Cuddle and talk to each puppy at least three times a day

_ Keep mom happy and relaxed

 

Week 3 – The Transitional Period

_ Increased individual cuddle/talk time with each puppy

_ Introduce a few toys

_ Place towels under puppy blankets or create humps in blanket to create obstacles

 

Week 4 – The Awareness Period

_ First trip outside the puppy room

_ Introduce more and varied toys

_ Play with puppies as a group

_ First trip outside, weather permitting

_ Introduce puppy gruel and use this to begin teaching them to come when called

_ Gently bounce and swing puppies while handling

_ Take each puppy away from litter for a few minutes

 

Weeks 5 - 6- The Awareness Period continues.

_ Each day, introduce something new

o Flashlight

o Blow bubbles

o Flicker room lights.

o A different flooring surface

o Different rooms or different places in the yard

o Create a mini-obstacle course

_ Lots of play time

_ Lots of outside time, weather permitting

_ Bring visitors to play with puppies

_ Feed puppies in different area

 

Weeks 7-8 - The Human Socialization Period.

_ Give each puppy group and individual time with visitors

_ Bring children to visit if possible

_ Gently brush each puppy

_ First bath

_ Introduce crates

_ Begin separating puppies into groups of 2-3

 

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