Once the trust is undeniable, defiance is highly unlikely.

 Thoughts on training:

Many years ago, while vacationing in Europe, I was pleasantly surprised to discover dogs were welcome in most social settings. Unlike North America dogs are banished from most public places. The encounter brought me to the realization that the most crucial aspect of training your dog is predetermined by the country in which you live. 

In 1950, Dr. John Paul Scott at Hamilton Station, Bar Harbor, Maine, conducted research of the critical periods in the life of a puppy. Dr. Scott’s findings were the four definite periods of social development.

1. The first twenty-one days is about survival, warmth, food, massage and sleep. There seemed to be no difference between pups raised in opposite social settings.
2. Beginning the twenty-first day, sight, smell and audio become fine-tuned. Environment will now begin to have an effect on the development of the dog. From the age of 3 weeks through 7 weeks his brain and nervous system are developing. By the end of 7 weeks it is believed that a puppy has the brain capacity of an adult, but obviously not the experiences.
3. The critical period between 7 weeks to 12 weeks, is the time to form man to dog relationships. The “Pack Instinct” which every dog inherits may be cultivated by training him to work with his master. The acceptance and attitude formed during this period will have a permanent imprint towards the dog’s willingness to follow your leadership.
4. As the fourth stage begins, there is a considerable amount of change, both physically and mentally. Between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks the pup will begin to cut his apron strings. He will also begin cutting his teeth and many undesirable traits can begin, due to the physical and mental stress he is under.

It is imperative to recognize and understand these four stages in your puppy. In order for anyone; man or dog to follow another, a dependency needs to be developed. Once the trust is undeniable, defiance is highly unlikely.

Use the period between 7 and 12 weeks to strengthen the bond between you. At this time the dog will naturally follow his pack, encourage this behaviour frequently. This can be the beginning of a perfect heeler.

We are a society of appliances. Every gadget on late night tv is purchased, hence the term “junk drawer”, which I believe exists in every kitchen. We fill our lives with so many tools that we have lost our creative touch. We don’t learn to communicate with our dogs; we just rely on band-aids to shelve problems away. Take a look in your community, how many dogs are walking along side their owners? That is without a Prong collar, Remote Collar, Head Halter, Gentle Leader or whatever new gadget is new on late night tv. In order for us to ever believe we can communicate with our dogs, we have to first learn their language.

Have you heard the saying, “Everything I ever needed to know I learned in Kindergarten”? This term refers to playing nice with others and sharing my things.  In order for my dog to become a canine good citizen he will need to learn a little more than that.  

When looking for a trainer, pass by the ones that express playtime only or socialization with others. You should have just gotten this dog from his mother and littermates, why does he need to be introduced to dogs as though their something new. I am not suggesting that socialization isn’t important. But lets not waste the most valuable time to develop a positive attitude towards obedience. Make sure your puppy is learning something in the presence of others. More importantly; make sure you are learning something.

Call and speak to a trainer today 1-877-CAT-JACK (228-5225)

HOME