Puppy Development Stages

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"LASTING IMPACT, RAPID LEARNING"

Dogs that are denied socialization during this critical period often become unpredictable because they are fearful or aggressive. It is during this time, that your dog needs to have positive experiences. They need to be introduced to new things and begin the groundwork to becoming a happy, well-adjusted dog. 

• The puppy has a short attention span.
• Things the puppy learns are permanent and are resistant to change. 
• The puppy is eager to learn!
• What he does and learns now, he will do as an adult.
• The puppy's temperament and personality are more apparent.
• The puppy will be transitioning his education from his mother to his human environment.

• We gently introduce the puppy  kitto new environments and people, allowing his natural curiosity to overcome his fear.
• We teach the puppy that new experiences are opportunities to have fun. We involve toys, and treats, and affection to help motivate him.
• We are patient with the puppy and allow him to adjust at his own pace. We never become frustrated or push the puppy into a fearful situations.
• We are protective of the puppies and we never allow others to push the puppy beyond their comfort level or to be forceful with them. 
• We are calm, confident and secure leaders who are comforting for the puppy to learn from.
• We teach the puppy that his family is there to protect and lead him. It is safe and rewarding for him to follow directions. 

• Any negative or fearful experience will have a lasting impact.

• We gently introduce the puppy to new environments and people, allowing his natural curiosity to overcome his fear.
• We teach the puppy that new experiences are opportunities to have fun. We involve toys, and treats, and affection to help motivate him.
• We are patient with the puppy and allow him to adjust at his own pace. We never become frustrated or push the puppy into a fearful situations.
• We are protective of the puppies and we never allow others to push the puppy beyond their comfort level or to be forceful with them.
• We are calm, confident and secure leaders who are comforting for the puppy to learn from.
• We teach the puppy that his family is there to protect and lead him. It is safe and rewarding for him to follow directions. 

"YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME!"

The puppy has been in the home now for a few weeks. He has been watching you and the family very closely. He is picking up on human behaviors and reactions. He is learning the pecking order of the pack. As he observes and learns, he will then attempt to figure out where exactly he stands in the pack order, and to also see if moving up in the pack will work. After all, he knows who the "weak links" are and will start at the bottom and try to move right up the pack. How could such a cute little pup be such a pistol?

• The puppy will begin to question authority.
• The puppy will attempt to move himself up in the pack order.
• The puppy will try to dominate. 
• The puppy will grab leashes. 
• The puppy will try to determine what activities are going to be done and when.
• The puppy may growl.
• The puppy may put his mouth on you.
• The puppy can often become over-excited.

• Avoid any aggressive play like tug or wrestling. 
• Stay conscious of what our actions and body language are communicating to the puppy.
• Stop all activity and play if the puppy growls or mouths us.
• Supervise the puppy's interaction with children to make sure that he sees them as members of the family rather than littermates.
• Ensure that everyone who is interacting with the puppy is consistent with rules and boundaries so that the puppy knows that testing them is fruitless.
• Continue reinforcing the puppy for making good decisions so that he will be more likely to choose to follow the rules.
• Use this stage to build the puppy's confidence in his routine and reward him for following the groundwork that we have laid for him.

• Your puppy will receive around the clock, 24 hours / 7 days a week, care while in our training program.
• Your puppies 12 week heartworm preventative and flea control will be given or sent home with you depending on age. 
• At 11 weeks your puppy will receive age appropriate vaccinations and fecal test. 
• At 14 weeks your puppy will receive age appropriate vaccinations and fecal test. 
• Your puppy will be past the initial adjustment period of being away from the litter. 
• Your puppy will be on a schedule of eating, drinking, and going potty to make house training much easier. You will receive a copy of this schedule before your puppy comes home.
• Your Puppy will be crate trained. Meaning in most cases, your puppy can hold his/her potty and remain quiet overnight and for a few hours during the day.
• Your puppy will know these key teaching words "GOOD," "OFF," "OKAY," "ATT ATT," and "LEAVE IT" to aid in communication.
• Problems such as jumping up, mouthing (puppy nipping), chewing and off will be worked on and usually pretty well under control at the end of the two weeks.
• Your puppy will be familiar with taking treats and following commands.
• Your puppy will be used to wearing a collar and leash. Many new puppy owners don't realize how important this is in the training process, and how it does not come natural to a puppy. It must be taught before the puppy can progress in his/her training.
• Your puppy will be introduced to, and be comfortable with, the training obedience commands of knowing his name, "SIT," "DOWN," "STAY," "SHAKE," "ROLL OVER," and "COME." Much longer stays and more attentive following of commands with 6 week stay. 
• Your puppy will walk into his crate willingly for a treat when you tell him to "go to bed."
• Your puppy will be asked to sit and wait before exiting his crate. We are working on his ability to wait for a longer duration, while the door is open.
• Your puppy will be asked to sit and wait while we prepare his food and set his bowls on the floor. We are developing his ability to wait for longer periods of time. 
• Your puppy will be asked to sit and wait while we attach his leash. We sometimes intentionally take a longer period of time so that his patience grows.
• Your puppy will be transitioned from their litter to living with family.