Between 6 and 8 weeks of age the puppies are in the puppy kennel, where they share stalls with their littermates and continue being fed three times daily. The puppy kennel is the place where the puppies first experience the outside world. They are socialized and walked on campus by dedicated volunteers where they are exposed to strange noises, new smells and situations, and learn to overcome their initial fear of surprises. When the puppies are about 8 weeks old, they are ready to be placed with their raiser families. (From Guide Dogs for the Blind)