These pups have learned to come when called before they go to their new homes

During this time puppies learn what it means to be good members of a human pack and develops acceptance of the world around them. This is the time most puppies leave the breeder and go to their new homes.

By about 8 weeks of age a puppy is very well developed mentally and capable of learning from experience and more formal training. During this time puppies are very receptive to new experience and tolerate change better than at any other time of their lives.

The basis of house training will have been laid in the whelping box and by the end of this period, with correct encouragement puppies should be well be on the way to becoming clean in the house.

Puppies should be raised in a safe, clean and stimulating environment

This is the best time for introducing puppies to the widest possible range of (pleasant) experiences including meeting as wide a range of people as possible, encountering traffic, domestic pets and livestock, railway stations and busy streets. The need to socialise must be satisfied whist protecting the still vulnerable puppy from disease.

Hercules gently makes the aquaintance of young puppy

Puppy socialisation classes are invaluable during this period to maintain the dog to dog development curtailed when the puppy left his mother and siblings.

Maintaining contact with other puppes helps develop canine skills

Bonding with the new owner is very important through this period and reinforced by play, grooming and learning together in a safe and happy environment.

At this age puppies still have a very high sleep requirement and must be allowed adequate time to rest, bones are not yet set or strong and excessive strain such as serious walking, stairs, jumping or rough play must be avoided.

Prim is happy to let her pups suckle even though they are 8.5 weeks old, she has little milk and her pups are fully weaned but this behaviour comforts both her and her pups

Until inoculations are completed puppies remain at high risk of infection, by the end of this period puppies should have full immunity to the major canine diseases provided that veterinary advice has been properly followed.

Puppies are wormed again during this time either before or just after leaving the breeder and again at monthly intervals.

Between 6 weeks and 12 weeks of age puppies (border collies and golden retrievers) should be eye tested together as a litter by a veterinary surgeon who is a member of the BVA (British Veterinary Association) Eye Panel to check for congenital eye defects and a proper certificate obtained.

Dr Ian Mason of the BVA Eye Test Panel examines a six week old puppy