Every breeder knows all to well that careful breeding is only part of the story, and that bad training and bad socialization can ruin even the most promising puppy. We are fortunate to live in a time where much is known about the basic developmental periods of a puppy's life. We can take what good breeding has given to us and then control the environment to develop the best possible personalities in adult dogs. It is reasonable to say that if we know how a puppy is growing and what it needs during the different stages of development, then we can assist all our pups to get the best possible start in life. Since puppies are with the breeders for most of this initial period, it behooves those breeders to pay special attention to these developmental stages.
Dogs are pack animals by nature, with definite social needs.
Through time, when man and dogs were evolving together, dogs developed a desire for attention from the human members of the pack. This need for human attention begins shortly after birth. During the first two weeks of life, his mother is your pup's main influence. She will take care of his every need. He will learn about his surroundings by touch.