Hello,
Am new to the forum, just joined today because I dig what you guys/gals do.
Most of the posts are about kittens. I'd like to offer some notes abt pups.
First, if at all possible, pups should not be taken away from litter or hand-reared until 7 weeks.
Second, from week 7 onwards, pups should go through as much socialisation possible. Simply expose pups to humans, other things (cats, horses, ducks, etc) places, sounds, flooring, etc.
This is done to imprint the pup with the domestic environment we live in so that it will not grow up and bite/be aggresive towards the things and places we take for granted.
Third, be very particular about weeks 8 to 10 because this is the '
fear imprint period'.
In other words, if during this stage, he is abused by humans (or anything else), the pup will grow into an adult dog that will have an acute fear of the abuser-type. So, for instance, if a vet visit turned out badly, that pup will forever fear/be aggressive towards such vet visits, etc. Similarly, if attacked by other dogs during this period, he will get defensive with other dogs for 'no apparent reason'.
Ideally, all dog owners should have some working knowledge about the different stages of growth for puppies - Wk 1 to Wk 24 (i.e. till abt 6 mths). See also
Scott and Fuller (1965),
Campbell test (1972) and
Monks of New Skete's website.
I hope this is useful and intended by author of this thread.