Week 5 to 7 - Continuing the Socialization Stage

At Five Weeks in birth order

Puppies sense of hearing is quite well-developed now and enough to allow the possibility of command conditioning using positive reinforcement, as well as name recognition - the puppy will begin to respond to the name chosen and we are using the new names that some of the puppies have been given. 

The puppy's fear response to sudden startling sights and sounds will begin to emerge at or around this point in their development, so exposure to any normal household objects and noises and association with positive experiences is very important. We have noticed several responses running to their day pen and are quick to reassure them. 
Also, the kind of play that puppy is used to with his littermates, including the "inhibited bite," or "mouthing," is starting to appear in their interaction with us. We are quick to put the puppy in their pen if they try to get to rough with us. For such a social dog, it's quite heartbreaking to not be allowed to play in the living room.
House training can has begun with piddle pads in the living room. We are still waiting for warm weather before we take the puppies for their first outing.