Dog Scholars - Puppies

Socialisation

A Puppy's most important learning period is between 6 - 16 weeks of age. During this time puppy learns those things that are part of it's world and which things to be frightened of and which are safe. Unfortunately this is also the time when you may be advised not to take puppy out because of the danger of infection. However Professional Training Organisations (PTO's) such as Guide Dogs, Police dogs etc. normally put their puppies on a lead and on the ground at 6 weeks of age. They are very careful about where they take the puppy but it is vital that they do! Buses, shopping centres, crowds, trains, and many other experiences are all programmed into their dog's early learning. This way they end up with dogs that are very stable and happy in any situation.

If you are concerned about infection, you should carry puppy about into every location that you can think of during this critical period. If you don’t get him out before the 16 week period he may turn out to be frightened of a man in a hat, a shopping trolley, a plastic bag or anything else that he hasn't seen in the vital learning phase. Please be careful that you don't go to far too fast or you may succeed in doing the exact opposite of what you are aiming to achieve.

Toilet Training

Is just careful, hard work.. You must learn puppy's signals that tell you he wants to go to the toilet. Nose to the ground in ever decreasing circles. Every hour on the hour (or more frequently). Immediately after a meal. Do not tell puppy off if you do not react quickly enough. One minute after the act he will not understand why you are angry with him. If you are constantly thinking 'toilet' you will learn these signals and can pick puppy up and take him to where you do want him go. Stay with him until he has done his business and praise him as he is doing it!! If you choose a pair of words at this stage for the two functions and constantly use those words as he is performing that function you will eventually be able to use the word and your dog will immediately perform that function.

Invisible Puppy

Try this trick as soon as you get your puppy home. Everybody must pretend that puppy is total invisible, not there, doesn't exist, unless puppy's backside is on the floor. As soon as puppy sits, you say "hello, what a lovely puppy" and give him a fuss. If this causes his backside to lift off the floor he becomes invisible again until he sits once more. Be very, very consistent and see how long it takes for puppy to realize that the best way to get fuss and attention and affection and recognition is to sit in front of you. If you do it properly puppy will learn very quickly. Puppy will also believe that this the best way to get attention from other people and you'll have a dog that doesn't mug the visitors when they enter the door or people you meet over the park, but will sit in front of them to say hello.

There is much more to learn and a trainer belonging to the APDT will advise you on the softest and gentlest method of training your puppy.