Tehillah German Shepherds F Litter Puppy Journal 3

From 3- 12 wks of age is the Socialization Period. This period can be divided into 4 divisions. Each important to the next stage. It is during this period that the puppy’s primary social relationships develop. It is important that the primary association is with people so that they can develop lasting relationships, especially in the later stages. A puppy that receives little human contact during this time will find it difficult to adjust to humans their whole lifetime.

The first stage of the Socialization Period is referred to as:

The Period of Becoming Aware
(22-28 days; 3-4 wks)

During this time, the pups can hear, see, and their sense of smell is becoming much more complex. They begin to eat food, and begin to bark, wag their tails and bite the other pups. By the end of 4 wks the pups are beginning to develop sight perception of distance and their sense of smell is becoming more complex. Between 3-4 wks, the puppy is experiencing a shower of sensory stimulation. The bitch should remain as much as possible with the litter at this time as they are experiencing so much awareness of the world around them and things are happening so fast that they need a stable home environment.

German Shepherd Dog, Tikka, with F litter puppies nursing

Black Collar

Blue Collar & Green Collar

It is also during this time that you start to see adult behavior patterns with their play fighting, scruff holding and prey killing (head shaking) movements and they begin to bark, growl and snap at each other.

This litter is very ‘online’ with what is expected of them during this growth period. They are now eating raw food with no problems. You can tell that their sense of smell is getting better as they are quick to find the food when it is put down in their pen area. They are all good eaters. You see them doing a LOT of play fighting and at times it can get serious! They are doing the scruff holding and head shaking when they grab/tug and bite each other as well as other objects available to them (blankets, toys etc). They are also using their paws more in play. I will hear growls and barks often from them. They all come quickly when I call and want the attention you will give them. They love all the kisses and attention! They have also started to grab your clothing, hands/fingers and those puppy teeth are sharp!! Many are quick to get out of their pen area and I often find them investigating the living room. They also have assess to outside during periods of the day and they enjoy this. They will go down and ‘pounce’ on you in their play. They give lots of eye contact. All the pups explore, play with each other and interact with people. I gave the pups their first bones on Monday. They enjoyed them!! Lots of knawing, biting and licking.

Tikka remains close the puppies. I often find her laying in the large area with them. They will crawl on her, get milk and then cuddle and sleep with her. She enjoys being with her pups immensely. If some of the play gets out of hand with the pups, she will go investigate. This is usually enough to stop the aggressive play and redirect the puppies. The pups seem to really enjoy sleeping close to the sliding door to the outside deck. They are not needing their area to be warm anymore. I also have several big pillows in their play/sleep area and you almost always find the puppies sleeping on these!

F Litter: The Socialization Period 3 to 12 Weeks

Part 1: Puppies 3 to 4 Weeks