Question:
Is there such thing as too much, too early socialization??? Are there some things that should be avoided in the early stages of development, as far as socialization goes??? Also, at what age should the puppy be introduced to gun-shots,sounds of a whip?
I don't want to over-do the socialization process, if such is possible

Definitely socialize your pup with people, especially children on a regular basis. Start off slow and build up so he is not overwhelmed.

I took advantage of walking my pup when school let out. I let the children pet and play with her and was lucky to have the Halloween experience at 3 1/2 months. Let it all be positive experiences, remember, how your feeling at the time will reflect on your pup. I think back as a group training our dogs and we had to go out on a boat. I'm a boat person and was comfortable on the boat and it reflected on my dog, he settled in right away. Another fella was terrified of the water and the boat and subsequently, so was his dog.

The sooner your dog is exposed to new sounds, the better. If legal where you are, firecrackers make good intro sounds to gunshots.

Car rides are important, start off around the block a few times and lengthen your journeys with stops for play. My pup from the git go has been there/done that, going to work with me, running errands, doing dog demos (especially with the kids!) going to the range, dog training, meeting people, sitting in an office, on the road, eating at outdoor restaurants, ect...the more exposure the better.

Do avoid other dogs. Only allow limited controlled contact with known friendly dogs. If you have a dog act aggressive with your pup, he may become dog aggressive.

Depending on your goals with your dog, some may suggest not over doing the socializing, but IMO, those early months are important and I can't stress enough about socializing with children.
Sure my pup is friendly with all my friends, she is still a baby. It's been fun to watch her mature, she is now just under a year and developing a bit of aloofness. Now, I'm selective with her interactions depending on the circumstance. (But we still do the demos with the kids!) The genetics are there BTW, don't try to approach her territory if I'm not there! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Hope this helps and good luck with your training.