A puppy is a dog for LIFE
Beautiful, soft, cheeky, bouncy, lovable, cute, cuddly all describe our new puppy – and everybody agrees. BUT, puppies grow up and become dogs with needs such as attention, interaction, walks etc.
Be aware puppies (and all dogs, regardless of breed, sex, or size) have an inbred desire to get the most out of everything and try and seize leadership. The puppy does this with their littermates – through play fights, games etc to determine the fastest, the strongest and the best leader. This is ongoing normal behaviour and will be enhanced during several critical periods in the puppy’s life. We are tempted to be drawn into these power games with puppies and like to treat them like babies, only to discover that the puppy starts nipping, biting and chasing the kids – because puppies see them as littermates or prey. 60% of a puppy’s learning is between the 8th and 16th week – an ideal period for a puppy class, or puppy preschool. Here they learn the right social manners with people and with other dogs (puppies) – a crucial learning period on the road to achieving a well behaved, balanced, problem-free dog for its whole life.
At 8 weeks, the puppy will not yet be fully immunised and there are risks, however, vets and canine professionals strongly believe the benefits of attending a reputable puppy class outweigh any risk to the puppy. A professionally run class will have a clean and safe training environment and supply guidelines to minimise risks – whilst ensuring the puppy class is enjoyable for the family and their pup – maximising learning and having a fun time. A small investment in time and money, but a very important commitment to early and ongoing training for your dog will get the best out of your friend for life!
© DogTraining Solutions June08.
All Rights reserved. May be reproduced only in its entirety for educational purposes. Other uses require written permission from the author.