PumpkinPups Dog Training 

If you've just gotten a puppy, or are thinking about getting one, there are some really important things you should know:

• Puppies start learning before they open their eyes which happens at 2 weeks of age.
• By the time puppies are 5 weeks old they can learn to sit on cue, respond to their name, come when called, and more.
• The optimal period of socialization for puppies is between 5 and 12 weeks of age.
• At 8 weeks of age puppies experience their first fear period (this lasts a few days to a week); the puppy will need especially gentle care at this time.
• Socialization means safe exposure to all the things that the puppy will be likely to encounter throughout its life:  traffic noises, people in funny hats, children, babies, grown-ups, skateboards, runners, bicycles, people of different races, different surfaces to walk on, car rides, vet visits, grooming visits, elevators, strangers coming to your home, cats, horses, other (fully vaccinated) dogs, construction sounds, wheelchairs, and anything else you can think of. It's a long list!
• By the time your puppy is 3 months old (13 weeks) (s)he starts to feel fear or suspicion about things (s)he's never encountered before, and depending on your puppy's temperament that natural fear of novelty can be hard to overcome, causing your dog to become more fearful or aggressive as he/she gets older.  Often this is not fully apparent until adolescence, 6 -10 months of age or later; by then, problems can be hard to fix.
• If you have concerns about taking your puppy out in the world before he or she is fully vaccinated there are safe ways to do this.  Discuss the ideas below with your vet.
• A large-breed puppy can be taken around the neighborhood in a shopping cart or stroller and introduced to children and adults and hear and see all the sights and sounds he/she will encounter when old enough to walk around the neighborhood.
• Small dogs can be carried in your arms or a shoulder bag.
• Puppies with 2 sets of vaccinations can attend a class with other puppies in the same age group.  Read the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's position paper on puppy socialization.
• IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you puppy is fearful or nervous when introduced to new things at this early age, use treats and a gentle voice to help her/him feel relaxed.  You should notice that puppy gets more relaxed and enjoys his/her time out in in the world. 
  
• CAUTION:  Socialization only works if your puppy is enjoying it, otherwise you will create fears rather than prevent them. If your puppy does not quickly recover from fears or gets more fearful instead of less this is a serious concern.  The more quickly you seek the help of a positive reinforcement trainer with behavioral experience the better your chances of repairing what could be a life long problem.

Jo-Jo, Pit Bull Boxer Mix -  5 weeks old

Books:

Raising a Behaviorally Healthy Puppy

by Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D. & Daniel Q. Estep, Ph.D.

Living With Kids and Dogs Without Losing Your Mind

by Colleen Pelar, CPDT

The Power of Positive Dog Training

by Pat Miller, CPDT