The Social Stage - Four to Twelve Weeks

This is the FUN stage!

Physical co-ordination and eyesight are still not fully developed, but the puppies mobility have progressed however they are not completely steady on their feet yet.

The puppies are very influenced by their mother and litter mates as they continue playing. During this time they are gaining their social skills such as inhibited biting (play biting and not to hurt), as well as where they fit within their pack and the pack's structure.  Mom's attitude becomes a large influence at this stage as well because if Mom is aggressive or fearful, the puppies pick up on that. Luckily Jenga is a wonderful dog with great personality and temperament.

Development experts recommend this a a good time to socialize the puppies with other humans and a variety of people to interact with them - young people under supervision, elderly as well as both male and females. We are lucky as we have been exposing the puppies to a large variety of people and they are already very social with all types of people.

This is also the time we will start introducing the other dogs to the puppies and allowing more 'play' between them all under complete supervision. The big dogs are completely enamored with the small ones but are thankful for the ability to jump onto a couch away from baby when necessary.