There is some disagreement among animal behavior specialists, breeders, veterinarians and dog owners as to the perfect time to take puppies home. This "disagreement" ranges in age from as early as 6, to as late as 16 weeks. Given that, there is little disagreement that these are very "formative" ages for the pup, and socialization for the pups is key. This socialization process lasts well past the pup's first year.
I don't claim to be any type of professional trainer or animal behavior specialist. To the contrary, I'm still climbing the learning curve, and probably behind several of the soon to be Griff owners. I do believe, however, that the more you can "paint a picture" for the pup, as opposed to just "letting the scene unfold," the more success you will have, and the more the pup will look to you in terms of how you want it to react. Positive outcomes are key to the socialization process. For example, you don't want to just let the puppy play with the neighbors' 5-year old, unless you know it is going to be a positive outcome. Obviously, if the youngster hurt or scared the pup, it could be detrimental to the pup's views of children. Less often realized I think, is that the pup may play too vigorously - establishing its dominance over a strange child or family member without anyone paying attention. Although it all looks fun and harmless, as it is just kids laughing and and puppies licking, the pup has lost focus on who is in charge. This doesn't mean that playing with kids should be discouraged - in fact to the contrary, you simply need to pay attention to the situation and let the pup understand that it is not "making the rules." Creating the situations and being able to control the outcomes is key.
We have started to bring several children and adult friends of Molly's to meet the pups. As eyes continue to open, and personalities begin to develop, we will continue to bring human friends, and some of Molly's most passive canine friends to meet the pups. Over the next several weeks, as weaning is started, we will also start the socialization process with individual and small groups of puppies, in the absence of mom. We will introduce the pups to gunfire and gamebirds. You may start planning now for your pup's first introduction to water - location, water temperature, etc. (encourage and don't force them with a favorite toy that floats into very shallow water, and continue with progressively deeper water. This may take several different occasions, however don't be surprised if it is almost immediate (it took Molly about 5 minutes to decide she wanted to venture out into the "look mom, my feet aren't touching" zone.) Keep these first occasions, brief, warm and full of praise.
Often, for even experienced trainers, obedience classes are a good idea - its an opportunity for the pup to meet several other dogs in a controlled environment - frequently these classes are offered by local community education programs or professional training facilities. Several new pup owners have another dog at home. It may be a good time now to quietly reassert yourself as the "alpha" beings in the household - this could help ease tensions as jealousy, property and territorial issues are sorted out between the established pet and the "new face on the block."
PS - for those of you who will be new Navhda members, there is a good article on "Dominance Training" on the Navhda.com main page.
