Modern Training Methods Focus On Positive Reinforcement. This Is Rewarding The Puppy For Desirable Behaviors.
Hollie Harris BSc (Hons)Animal Behaviour And Welfare
Development Stages
From Birth Puppies Are Reliant On Their Mother To Feed And Eliminate. This Is Known As The Neonatal Period And Will Last Until Around 2 Weeks Of Age.
After The Neonatal Period Puppies Enter The ‘Sensitive Period’ Also Known As The Socialization Period. This Is At Around 3 Weeks Of Age.
The Socialization Period Is The Time Where Your Puppy Will Have Lower Levels Of Fear And Will Be Confident To Explore New Things And Experiences.
This Means That In This Time Period You Should Aim To Expose And Habituate Them To A Range Of Environments, Noises, Other Animals And People Becoming Habituated To Potentially Stressful Things In Early Life Will Prevent Anxiety And Behavioral Problems In Later Life.
if you are worried…
If Your Puppy Displays Problematic Behaviors Which Pose A Welfare Risk You Should Speak With Your Veterinarian To Establish A Plan. In Some Cases Medication Can Be Prescribed.
Training Methods
Modern Training Methods Focus On Positive Reinforcement. This Is Rewarding The Puppy For Desirable Behaviors.
A Common Positive Reinforcement Technique Is Clicker Training. This Is Where Desirable Behaviors Are Marked With A Noise (Often From A ‘Clicker’) And Followed With A Treat.
Problematic Behaviors Should Not Be Punished. This May Cause Stress To The Puppy And Enhance Any Problematic Behaviors You Are Experiencing.
Exposure
It Is Essential To Expose Your Puppy To All The Stimuli That They May Experience As An Adult. This Will Vary Dog To Dog But Common Things Include The Vet, Noises Such As Fireworks And Traffic, And Different Animals.
It Is Also Important To Expose Your Puppy To A Range Of Different People Including All Ages, Genders And Ethnicities As Well As Different Uniforms Such As People In Masks And High-Vis.
