Puppies for X-mas

Dogs go through several changes in the first few months of life known as sensitive periods. The stimuli they are exposed to during these times can have a lasting effect on a dog and should be considered when bringing a new puppy into the home. I want to speak a little on what is known as the "fear" period because it coincides with the 8 week time period puppies are usually adopted.

During this sensitive period the puppies will form attachments to places, people, and other animals. It is necessary that the puppies have contact with other dogs during this period so socialization can occur with their own species. Puppies exposed to other stimuli, including other species and places, between the fifth and ninth week have the fewest problems later in life relating to those species or similar situations. It is imperative that herding and guarding puppies be exposed to the animals they will be interacting with later in life for proper socialization to occur with the livestock. As little as 20 minutes of interaction a day between the fourth and twelfth may be all that is necessary for this inter-species socialization to occur and has been shown to be the optimal period for dogs to become socialized to humans. However, the more concentrated the interaction, the better the effect.

Stimulation, or lack thereof, at this point will have a very strong influence on later behavior which can be difficult, if not impossible to change or modify later. During this period, aversive stimuli can have a lasting effect.

Because X-mas is such an excitable time, a new puppy can become withdrawn or fearful. However, to socialize a new puppy with their new family, it is a good idea to have a few days off to spend time with him.

If you want to give a puppy as a gift, I suggest giving the recipient a leash and collar as a gift, or perhaps a card with something written on it to the effect of "valid for one new puppy." Then, perhaps the rest of the day can be spent placing the dog bed, kennel, dishes etc. After X-mas, when things have settled down a little, the new puppy can be picked up. As most people get the week between X-mas and New Year off, this is an ideal bonding time as well.

For more information on sensitive periods in dogs, see:

Canine Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians (1999) by Bonnie Beaver

How Dogs Think: Understanding the Canine Mind (2004) by Stanely Coren

The Art of Raising a Puppy (1991) by The Monks of New Skete

The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People (2007) by James Serpell