puppy raising - Page 2

Lots and lots of positive reinforcement;  lots and lots of puppy obedience;  lots and lots of socialization;  with extensive handling and puppy play time.  Lots and lots of puppy confidence building.  Obedience at night around cars, objects they hate, at a park with agility stuff and noises and bite and hold work, bark on command, all with verbal AND hand signals.  Lots and lots of naps in between training sessions;  keep sessions short and lots of new things everyday if possible.  That is my plan for the next generation.  Nan

As long as it's all positive and fun for the puppy, the earlier the better. They learn SO FAST when they are babies. Why not use that time to your (and their) advantage? The lessons they learn early stick with them. Any time you are interacting with your dog or puppy they are learning. Make it fun and plan in advance so they are learning the things you want them to.

I think the most important things you can teach a young puppy are how to learn, to enjoy the training/learning process, and that good things happen when they pay attention. Once a puppy learns these, training is fun and easy for the rest of their life. WHAT you teach them is secondary to the lesson that they can earn rewards by offering particular behaviors.

Certainly punishment-based training shouldn't be used on puppies. The pup should always choose to come to you for play/training. They are also free to leave and do something else at any point. Our job as trainers is to be the most interesting and fun playmates they have available. But then, that's how I train my dogs throughout their lives.