7 Weeks Old!

Our darlings are 7 weeks old-- we can hardly believe it! Their mother is still very attentive, but they are definitely playful little individuals now.

Sabrina has figured out how to escape their puppy pen and the baby gate blocking off the kitchen. She loves to explore the wider world! Poor Hank longs to follow but he can't quite squeeze through the puppy pen bars! They are all happy and healthy pups now-- they've had their first shots and they have caught up developmentally to where they should be by now, so they will be ready to go to their new homes as early as next week!

Socialization Period (7 - 12 Weeks)

• At 7 weeks, puppies can learn and what they learn will have a lasting impact. Everything he comes in contact with will make a lasting impression upon him as it never will again!

Not only will he learn, but, he will learn whether he is taught or not. Though he has a short attention span, what things he learns are learned permanently and resistant to change. Therefore, you need to be careful about what your puppy is learning at this time. Your puppy is very anxious to learn how you want him to behave and react, and he needs to be shown what is expected of him in his new role as your pet.

There are rules you will expect your puppy to obey. Establish those rules NOW while
behaviors are easy to establish. For instance, how your pet interacts with you is determined during puppyhood. What he does now is what he will likely do later. So, don't allow your puppy to do things which will be unacceptable when he becomes a dog. During this time, you and your puppy will also begin to know and understand each other. You will get to know about your puppy's particular temperament and personality - whether he is strong-willed or eager to please, gentle or rambunctious, shy or outgoing, and just what else makes him the endearing individual that he is.

For the puppy, this is both an exciting and somewhat confusing time. There is a whole new world of things to learn about and all sorts of new experiences to digest. Your puppy needs to learn how to interact with humans and other animals who live with them. Puppies must be able to adapt to the patterns and tenor of their future homes. And you are the one helping him with this by laying a groundwork for a trusting, happy mutually satisfying relationship.

• During the Socialization period, there is a fear imprint period from 8 - 11 weeks. During this time, any traumatic, painful or frightening experiences will have a more lasting impact on your pup than they would if they occurred at any other time.
  

An unpleasant trip to the veterinarian or a long and stressful car ride, for instance, at this time could forever make your dog apprehensive about veterinarians and frightened of cars. To avoid this, take some treats and a toy with you to the veterinarian. Take the puppy frequently on brief car rides with you and stop for a short walk somewhere interesting for the dog – even if it’s just a 5 minute walk after your shopping trip.

Remember, dogs are social animals. To become acceptable companions, they need to interact with you, your family, and other people and dogs during the Socialization Period. Dogs that are denied socialization during this critical period often become unpredictable because they are fearful or aggressive. It is during this time, that your dog needs to have positive experiences with people and dogs. Take your dog to places where other people walk their dogs. Begin by taking him there when there are few other dogs and people. Give him time to get used to new places. Make sure he is secure. Schedule ‘doggie play time’ with other dog owners in the park. If you have children that visit only occasionally, have your
puppy meet children as often as you can. If you live alone, make an effort to have friends visit you, especially members of the opposite sex so that your dog will become accustomed to them. Go someplace fun!