Socializing dogs is a hot topic among trainers, breeders, and vets. Do we risk their health and take the puppy out and about? Or do we protect them and isolate them until they have all their shots?

Written by Martin Deeley

Once your dog has learned a bad behavior, changing it will take considerably more time than would have been required to put in a good one. I am sure someone will have the answer to why it happens, but all too often a dog will learn a bad behavior in a split second that can be very difficult to change. Putting in a good behavior to replace it will take more time and more repetitions.

Common Problem 1: Jumping Up on People

When a puppy comes running up to us and jumps on us, we think, "She loves me, she is so happy to see me!" We feel special and chosen and cherished. And who doesn't thrill to watch puppies jumping and leaping about in play?

Few images are as evocative of trust, loyalty, and friendship as a child with a puppy. Bonds formed between humans and dogs can be made incredibly strong when the relationship is formed early on, but it's very important that our children be taught how to interact safely and responsibly with their canine companions.

For any successful pack leader, it's important to have a keen understanding of the way your puppy will develop. Puppyhood is a relatively short stage in your dog's life, but it's also one of the most crucial. The majority of responsible breeders will wait until a puppy is two months old before allowing you to adopt. These two months allow the puppy to spend time with its littermates and learn basic social skills. For families who are expecting puppies born at home, we've put together a handy reference to guide you through what you can expect from the early stages of development.

Stage 2: 2 - 4 Weeks

The puppy's eyes will open at or around the beginning of this second stage of development. His new sense of sight will be limited and very sensitive, so to avoid eye damage, care must be taken to protect him from bright lights. Despite these limitations, the puppy will now begin to recognize and interact with things in his environment, including (most importantly!) his mother and littermates. Many experts consider this the "toddler" stage of development as the puppy becomes more alert and learns to crawl, stand, and ultimately walk. With this new mobility, he will also begin to attempt to better explore his surroundings.

4 - 12 Weeks

Week 4 to week 12 typically comprise the third stage of puppy development. During this stage, the senses begin to mature and socialization becomes an important part of the puppy's life. It is critical during this key phase that the puppy be able to interact with other dogs and with people.

3 - 6 Months

Stage 4 begins your puppy's introduction to independence, but may also create some possible frustrating situations for you. With her senses more or less fully developed, and her improved physical coordination, the puppy is entering into a phase that is remarkably close to toddlerhood in human beings. Think "terrible twos" on a canine level.

The topic of vaccinations is the subject of some debate amongst pet professionals. Which ones are strictly necessary and how often they should be administered is at the heart of the discussion, with some prominent veterinarians arguing that dogs in America are over-vaccinated, solving some problems while simultaneously causing others.

People often ask me at what age they should start training their puppy. The answer is immediately!