Desert Legend Dobermans: Puppies

A Puppie's Life

The beginning of a Doberman's life is vital to its development. In the first three weeks puppies are developing their sight, hearing, sense of smell and first emotional traits within the litter. This is when socialization should be stressed. By the forth week of life their brain is beginning to develop and at around 50 days that brain is in its adult form.

The seventh to twelfth weeks of a puppies life is critical to them. This is when they should be weaned from the litter and the best time for them to develop an attachment
to their new owners. They should be introduced to gentle play and early obedience.
A dogs character is set by what is learned in the first 16 weeks of life. This is they should be taught because they won't forget what they learn in the following few weeks.

3 - 6 Weeks

During this period, puppies emerge from their litter and go out on their own and venture into the surrounding environment. This emergence is a continual learning experience in which they learn basic behavioral patterns specific to dogs. They will learn body postures, what they mean and how they affect their mother and others in the litter.
They learn what its like to bite and be bitten, barking and how to establish a social relationship with other dogs. Within five weeks their mother teaches them basic manners, what kinds of behaviors are acceptable and discipline.

7 - 12 Weeks

By week seven rapid learning occurs. What the dog learns at this point will have a lasting impact on its personality. They will have a short attention span, but what they learn will be permanent. It is crucial that owners are careful with their dogs at this point in their lives. Your dog is anxious to learn how you want him to behave and he needs
to be shown what is expected of him. Establish your rules at this point because what he does now is very likely what he will do later.

Puppies need to know how to interact with humans and other animals so it is vital to teach them correctly.

During this time there is a fear imprint period from 8 - 11 weeks. Any traumatic, painful or frightening experiences will have a more lasting impact on your pup than they would if they occurred at any other time. In general, avoid stressful situations, they need to interact with your family, and other people and dogs during this period.

12-16 Weeks

During this period your dog will begin to test you to see who the pack leader is going
to be. He'll begin to bite at play and challenge to your authority. This is natural and not necessarily undesirable. It is important, at this stage, that you establish your position. At this point you may see your pet grabbing at the leash, and attempts to dominate. Biting should always be discouraged.

Don't wrestle or play tug of war with your dog, this kind of play seems like fun to them and will be perceived as acceptable behavior. Your pet may learn to growl, which is used to show dominance. Biting is also a show of dominance and should be avoided. Avoid this now and your dog will learn who is boss. By training your puppy, you will learn how to get him to respond to commands designed to show that you are in charge.