Training and Socialisation
It is a good idea to start your puppy with a soft collar. If possible, have your breeder use a ribbon from the time your puppy is 4 weeks old to not only identify the puppy as yours, but get them used to having something around their necks. Most puppies will scratch and dance with their first collar, but the adjustment period is usually relatively short.
The best time to introduce a lead is at 12 weeks, (and 13 weeks, after all inoculations, for the first walk with a lead). At this stage you can probably expect anything from a somersault to a back flip, a screaming howl to a sit-down strike if you immediately try walking with the lead in your hand. Therefore, it's best to let your puppy get used to it on their own. Offer lots of praise for exploring with the lead trailing on the ground, and when your puppy comes to terms with this new device, pick up the lead and let your puppy take you wherever they choose. The idea is to get them used to having you by their side and eventually taking control of the direction to short jaunts to places with fun and interesting things to explore. Introduce short stretches near traffic, lawn mowers or other foreign, intimidating objects. Keep the experience happy and offer lots of praise throughout the process, especially when there is apprehension. Increase these "little" walks into longer, more structured ones. Start slow and let your puppy's progress dictate the pace. Continue to praise and never rush. If you encounter people or other pets that want to say hello, put your puppy in a sit (push its bottom down gently) and allow others to approach and pet. It's especially good to sit at a bus stop or front of a shopping mall where there is a lot of traffic and bustles of people, including children! Go to the park and introduce your puppy to other dogs, birds, squirrels, and all new smells and noises. Have they seen large bodies of water? A friendly football match? A horse? Where else could you go, and what else could be introduced? There is no such thing as over-socialisation!
Furthermore, get your puppy used to you touching their food and toys. Offer a treat with your hand inside their food dish as they're eating. Occasionally initiate a game with the toy with which they are playing. Don't tease - always make the experience happy and non-threatening. And, when your puppy is in a relaxed state, slowly and gently examine their ears, mouth and paws. Every activity you engage yourself in with your puppy is teaching them what's ok and safe. You are also paving the way to advanced grooming, Veterinary visits, formal obedience training and a happy life!
This web page was brought to you by the Royvon Dog Training Schools. Good luck with your new puppy and we hope to see you!
