Another in a series of articles extracted from Barb's recent teleseminar to

help explain and answer questions on the puppy weaning process.

Last time we introduced the concept of how socialization is a key component

of and outcome for a successful puppy weaning process. This article explores

that in more depth and addresses the pitfalls of not doing it properly.

There is a certain amount of handling as part of the puppy weaning process

that is done with the puppies and in this case both too little or too much

can be dangerous.

In the case of too much handling, people think that, "I need to hold these

puppies a lot and stimulate them a lot because they need to get used to the

outside world. I don't want them to be afraid of fireworks."

Well, the problem is is that they are these small, tiny creatures that are

growing and learning about their environment and you need to ensure that the

stimulus that they are exposed to is appropriate for their stage of

development. Whether that be the food that you're starting to feed them, or

noises, or the amount of handling, it is important for the stimulation to be

age and development stage appropriate. Too much handling and introducing

puppies to too many sounds too fast can actually over sensitize the puppies

and make them very sensitive dogs as they become adults.

Obviously too little handling or stimulation or exposure to new experiences

and they never develop that bond with the person and they remain overly

dependent on their mother. Puppies become then difficult to separate from the

mother but more importantly it makes them difficult to bond with people so it

makes it more difficult for them to be a lovely family pet.

The appropriate amount and timing of handling, stimulation and introduction

to new experiences is hugely important to the young puppies' development AND

their ability as adults to learn and accept new situations, experiences and

people. Understanding how to do this and pacing this throughout the weaning

process is really the only time in the early puppies' development when this

positive imprinting can be done effectively.

Thus weaning is really an important part of this overall puppy development

process. It really provides the catalyst for a lot of the different aspects

of the puppies' development that come together. A complete puppy weaning

system takes this comprehensive and integrated view into account.

Proper and successful puppy weaning is SO much more than just transitioning

to solid foods. Make sure you get the proper instruction, directions or

coaching to get it right...you won't get a second chance with that litter!

We'd love to hear from you! What do you think is the most important early

socialization practice or process you've done or seen? Have you seen the

results of young puppies being over stimulated (either too much or too

young)?