"Today's enlightened dog owner seeks a relationship with her canine companion based on mutual love, respect and cooperation, not coercion and intimidation. Good training no longer blames owners for their dogs' foibles, but instead focuses on understanding how dogs think and learn, working through behaviour challenges with methods that are based on the scientific principles of behaviour and learning rather than myth and old wives' tales. Welcome to the new era of dog training, where humans and dogs are partners in life and learning, rather than masters and slaves." - Pat Miller

Successful House Training !

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Socialing and Critical Fear Periods for a Puppy

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The Early Days...

Day 0 to approximately 16 weeks is the most critical learning time in a pups life. It shapes the furture temperament of the dog, on all levels.

Our pups mental and social development commences at birth, they are handled by all members of the family, our friends and our children's friends. The pups are introduced to the domestic environment of our home, including the vacuum cleaner, kitchen noises such as the banging of pots and pans, the T.V., loud music...(that's never a problem in our household!).

Pups new home...

When a puppy is taken home it is critical that the early learning continues, boundaries should be put in place from the start, in a firm but loving way. Let him know, and encourage him to understand, what it is you expect from him, rewarding his positive attempts. This helps in developing a good relationship between you both.

It is not a good idea to allow pup to have free access to roam inside or outside the home. . To avoid pup from getting into mischief, hurting himself or generally getting out of control when inside it is best if pup is supervised at all times by either crating or being trained to lay on a mat/bed. This way he learns control in an enclosed environment. Having a puppy is like having a toddler in the home. Remove, put away anything that may be dangerous to her and things of value.

The same applies when pup is outside. Ensure there is nothing dangerous that can possibly hurt him or plants he could chew on that may make him ill. Never leave pup outside with a collar on. He can get caught up and choke to death.

Have lots of toys available that can be regularly rotated.

Pups own area...

Puppies sleep a lot as well as play. Make sure she has a comfy spot she can call her own which is not in the mainstream area of the house. A secure area of your home which you have annexed for her or a crate, with toys to play with and a comfy blanket, where she can retire safely to when tired or be placed into when you go out.

Never leave her unsupervised in the yard or house.

Socialization...

When introducing pup to the resident dog/s in the family remember the resident dog will possibly regard pup as an interloper, it may take a few days even weeks for him to accept the new member of the family. If possible always ensure that the first meeting is in a neutral place. On most occasions the older dog will put his nose in the air and seek to avoid pup for a few days but it is always wise to watch the encumbent dog/s body language closely for a negative reaction.

I personally like to take a day or so before letting them get together. I find this engenders a positive curiosity and gives me time to assess how the older dog will respond to pup.

Always ensure the incumbent dog/s is/are made to feel loved and not being displaced by the new family member. Don't feed pup near your other dog/s food and do not allow pup near their toys. For the first few weeks control all interaction between pup and the incumbent dog/s. A boisterous older dog can make a young pup feel quite fearful and possibly injure it. Take them to a neutral place to run and play, this will help your older dogs realize and accept that pup is there to stay.

As much as you can keep exposing him to environmental stimuli. I take my pups out before the 12 weeks immunization, however I am very careful where I take them to. If there is an area which may endanger pups health then either carry him or do not go there. Do not let him sniff poles, posts, tree trunks, another dogs faeces and do not go into off lead exercise parks/areas. Only allow her to interact with a dog you know is healthy and fully vaccinated.

Puppy Pre School...

To keep the environmental stimuli/learning process flowing take pup to puppy pre-school. Be aware that puppy pre school is not a puppy play/free for all. An ill run puppy pre school can be disastrous to the pups future development. Choose your trainer carefully, well beforehand. View a couple of the trainers classes. The class should be conducted in a clean environment in a controlled manner. Initial interaction between pups should be on lead. A good trainer will pair off like temperamented pups for short play periods. A strong willed, boisterous pup can seriously impair the dog-to-dog social development of a less outgoing, softer pup .This will become evident as puppy matures.