Week 6 Development

The Socialization Period

It may seem as though the puppies suddenly became unruly, no they just become much more curious this week. As it’s been said before, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - so be it with 6-week old puppies!

This week is transition and training.

• They continue with previously outlined exercises and activities because practice makes perfect, and it’s much easier to build better behaviors than deal with breaking bad habits. Unfortunately, they don’t master much in the first 8 weeks, but they have a good start!

• At the end of the week, we will gradually begin introducing the puppies to a crate and have them spend short amounts of time - 5-15 minutes inside of one. In the beginning, it is more likely that they won’t love the crate and will yelp whimper, bark, bite, etc. We will ignore these undesired behaviors but provide a yummy treat on their way out and in-between each time they are calm.

• We will increase your puppy’s introductions to a variety of people. We dress up to help facilitate this: hats, glasses, wigs, goggles, hoodies, umbrellas, boots, winter coats, etc.., please continue this at home and having fun with it in gentle ways. You probably won’t see most of it on the camera, but I pull out the Halloween box and more.

• They’re eating is improving and they will be at straight kibble with Stella and Chewy’s lamb before the end of the week.

• Outside play is introduced, it is a love hate relationship at first and then it turns into mayhem! All good for growing puppies who are learning what is ok and what is not!