Pups can't see until they are about 2 weeks old. They can't hear until about 3 weeks old.

        As their motor skills develop they begin to explore their surroundings. They start to communicate by barking and  using body language.  It is during this time that the pup develops relationships with his mom and littermates. He will spend most of his waking hours playing with his littermates, learning social interaction through climbing over, bouncing on, pawing, licking, biting and growling at each other. This play teaches pups what is acceptable within a dogs world.  He learns which actions cause pain and what is pleasurable.  He learns when to be dominant and when to back  down.

Your pup will attempt to interact with you as he does his littermates.  This gives you an understanding of his viewpoint.

There are many opinions of when a pup should make the transition from his litter to his new family.  I believe it should be based more on the individual development of a pup than age - somewhere between 6 to 8 weeks but by 10 weeks if possible. The period between 6 and 12 weeks of age is very important for your pups bonding with his new family.  The bond will last a lifetime.  It is important during this period of time that your pup learn his proper place in the hierarchy of things.

Things that will help your pup in his education: When he is still small pick him up a lot. Look into his eyes until he looks away. Rub his stomach with him laying on his back. Use moderate pressure while petting or grooming. Don't allow your pup to stand on you in play time. Avoid tug of war games. Encourage fetch games. Take his food away and give it back during meals. Teach him you may remove anything from his mouth at any time. Teach him to give up his toys on command. Praise good behavior. Enforce every command you give him. Have him perform some command before normal activities like feeding - playing- going out.  Nothing is to be free - he must allow touching or perform some small command for anything.

From about 8 weeks to 16 weeks of age you should gradually expose your pup to more and varied things.  Make him work at things.  Give him little challenges.  Take him out in the yard - have him follow you at a speed that is a little hard for him then praise him for keeping up.  Have him look for you - hide behind something. Make him think.  When his vaccinations are complete take him to strange places.  Introduce him to odd noises.  The vacuum cleaner.  The noises at the auto repair shop.  The beach.  Crying babies. The park to meet strangers. People you know with friendly dogs.  Teach him about riding in the car.  If you have the opportunity to walk him in the woods, crossing logs and wading little water areas - anything to make him think or experience things. A wide variety of experiences during his formative age will result in an unflappable dog. Teach him he can be alone, if your family is gone during the day then this lesson is taken care of.

The period between 17 and 21 weeks of age has been called the fear period when many dogs act fearful. It is best to avoid major stresses during this time.  Just let your pup be a pup and continue normal activities.

 It is a good idea to be prepared to leave your dog for a trip or in case of an emergency.  Teach your dog he is safe and not going to be permanently abandoned while he is still young. If you have a trusted friend or relative who will be the designated dog sitter arrange to have him stay over night occasionally. If that is not the case you may want to board him with his veterinarian or select a boarding kennel now.

Dogs are just like people in that they learn best while young and a good beginning sets them up for a lifetime of learning correctly.  Lay the groundwork carefully now and you will have a good companion with few surprises later.