[SOBE]

I absolutely agree that puppies need to be careful socalizing with unknown dogs and other puppies due to their vulnerability to certain diseases. I am not sure I agree with Louies Mom regarding the thought that puppies at 9 weeks of age are not "mentally ready" to meet other dogs....the most important stage of mental development is 8 weeks to about 16-20 weeks....after that, a certain part of the brain "shuts-down". The most important part of socialization of a puppy occurs between these ages...if you do not let your puppy meet and socialize with other dogs and puppies, and humans of all sexes and ages, then it will be tough later on, especially with interactions with other dogs. I had a trainer who told me to "expose" my puppy to everything I could think of...traffic sounds, baby crying, men and women with high and low pitched voices, etc....it made sense. It's hard to raise a pup!!