From three to 12 weeks: Socialization

This is a critical time for your puppy. If he's to develop into a happy and healthy and well-balanced dog, he needs to experience humans, other dogs and his surroundings.

• Stage One: From three to five weeks: Your puppy will start to react to loud sounds, which is useful for mother when she growls at him to stop him feeding at will. Up to four weeks, his hearing, sight and sense of smell are working more efficiently. He'll bark, wag his tail and play-bite his brothers and sisters. He'll also begin to eat solid food and leave his sleeping area to go to the bathroom. From four to five weeks, he'll chase and play head shaking games; he'll also bare his teeth, growl, and carry things in his mouth.
• Stage Two: From five to eight weeks: Your puppy's face will become more expressive and his ears and eyes will be more coordinated. He'll join in playing games with his brothers and sisters and by the seventh week, he'll be ready to go to his new home. By the end of the eighth week, he'll be curious and willing to explore and investigate everything; but at the same time, he'll show signs of caution.
  In the final week before you take your puppy home, he should be taken away from his family and he should come into plenty of contact with humans -- children as well as adults. He should also get at least five minutes attention each day.
  From week six to eight, your puppy will begin to settle in with you and your family and he'll experience the sights, sounds and smells of his new home. As soon as he crosses your threshold, you should begin housetraining.
• Stage Three: From eight to 12 weeks: Your new puppy will experience a very strong desire to please you as he assesses his position in a new family. You'll begin to teach him to play human games and help him to reduce his play-biting.