The litter is kept with the dam and other littermates. After spending most of the first days of whelping box exposure, the pup now learns it is a dog. During this stage, the dam teaches the pups certain disciplines that only canines can teach their young. Pups learn to end the dam's anger by submission, thus learning the limitations that are acceptable. Weaning of the pups is discouraged, since the learning phase with their mother is not through until the dam finds it fit to stop nursing. It is at this stage that impatient breeders, so in a hurry to make a profit, cut and wean too early producing noisy pups which result to pups with behavioral problems.

In the middle of this stage, introduction of car rides to familiarize the pups to engine sound and motion. Take different combination of puppy pairs to avoid a co-dependence between pups. Training the pups to be dependent and individually able is the basis of the 1st stage of development. Slightly in crease introduction of household noises: TV., vacuum cleaner, washing machine etc.

At the 5th and 6th week, individual attention out of sight and sound from the dam and other pups is crucial for each puppy. Introduce pups to steps one at a time. Once step familiarization is done, introduce activities where in the pup is tasked to find a solution to a problem, like tunnel walk-through, mazes. This is the best time to introduce the collar and the dragging of the lead. Start obedience training by having five minute sessions of sit, stay, heel and on-leash walking. By the time your pup has mastered orderly on-leash walking, it is time to introduce it to other people (children and adults).

At the end of this stage, put your pups through individual aptitude tests. The test measures the role that best suits them. Not most Weimaraner pups get to be superb hunting dogs and end up guide dogs or family dogs. Not being able to hit a high mark in aptitude test may be due to not being properly socialized, trauma during the third stage…all through no fault of the puppy.