Socialisation and Training
There is a big difference between these two - socialisation started here at Amalie and is essential for you to continue from the time your pup comes home. The socialisation period extends well into the first year of life with the "super sponge" time where your pup's brain learns very easily and rapidly being between approximately 3 and about 18 weeks of age.Training, which is also started here - we often don't use words but we have introduced the clicker and we start by giving our pups some problem solving challenges. Training and obedience are activities we encourage you to view as a lifelong partnership and goal.
- Socialisation is familiarising your pup to a wide range of smells, sounds,sights, people, surfaces and experiences (see video in post 4 "Health Care")
- Training is more to do with the communication between you and your dog
Tip: don't try too much too fast and watch your dog's body language to learn how he communicates his response to novel experiences. Beacon Puppy Guide has some great info for you.ALWAYS set your puppy up for success
What's clicker training you ask...
Toilet training
Your Amalie Labradoodle pup started his
toilet training at 3 weeks of age as soon as he could toddle about. We
segregated the sleeping area into a clean and a dirty area and worked with mum
to keep the puppy sleeping area really clean and fresh. He has developed an
aversion to pooping in his nest, so to speak! If you are observant you will
soon work out when puppies need to go, usually just after waking and after
eating or drinking. They sniff about for a place that’s been used before and
circle – often they will find a place out of sight to poo.
If you want to
keep your floor free of puddles you are going to have to invest some time and
energy. It’s no good getting cross at him for weeing in the wrong spot – he will just get confused. You need to take him outside at times when he's likely to need to go (approx every 2-3 hours) until
he knows that that’s the only place that’s acceptable to go to the toilet. That will be after drinking and eating, waking and during play.If your puppy continues to wee in one place
inside – wash the floor with white vinegar, then feed him there…he will soon
make it a place he keeps clean.
How do I teach my pup not to jump on people?
Your pup has been taught to sit at our feet
if he wants attention – we only touch puppies when their bottoms are on the ground. Your pup can do this if he is not too excited but may forget
when he has just been let out of the crate.
To continue to reinforce what he’s been taught, lift your hand, palm up in front of his face and say “sit”. If he doesn’t sit immediately, gently place his bottom down with your other hand. Later, if the pup jumps up to greet you, turn your back on him and ignore him. When you think he’s quieter, turn around, say “sit” while lifting your hand as before - a treat might help! Reward him when his hindquarters touch the ground repeating the drill while gradually removing food incentives. But always give him a reward afterwards if he's followed your rules. This doesn’t have to be food - a pat under the chin means a lot to the little guy. Once he learns the command, ask him to "Sit!" each time he greets someone.
To continue to reinforce what he’s been taught, lift your hand, palm up in front of his face and say “sit”. If he doesn’t sit immediately, gently place his bottom down with your other hand. Later, if the pup jumps up to greet you, turn your back on him and ignore him. When you think he’s quieter, turn around, say “sit” while lifting your hand as before - a treat might help! Reward him when his hindquarters touch the ground repeating the drill while gradually removing food incentives. But always give him a reward afterwards if he's followed your rules. This doesn’t have to be food - a pat under the chin means a lot to the little guy. Once he learns the command, ask him to "Sit!" each time he greets someone.
Other animals
It may be a advisable to introduce a new pup gradually to an older dog in your
household. A polite doggy greeting is not face-to-face but approaching side on. The puppy's body may curve to greet his new friend. If you have a dog that is older that may not be too thrilled about all that puppy energy, first introduce their smells to each other but keep them separated for a while. It
is important for you to stay relaxed. If there is aggression on either side, take a break!
Other training tips
Probably the best (but most difficult) piece of advice I have ever had re dog training and obedience is “one command – one action”. This means say it once and mean it …. and if you can’t carry this through, don’t even bother giving the command. Remember, training is hard work mentally for both you and your pup.
Other training tips
There is heaps of info on the internet – explore!!
Be gentle. Never hit, threaten, frighten or force-train your puppy. Such strategies might result in a change of behaviour, but it won't be the kind you're after. If you need some timeout from your pup, take it. Don’t train when you are tired, busy, frustrated or distracted.
Probably the best (but most difficult) piece of advice I have ever had re dog training and obedience is “one command – one action”. This means say it once and mean it …. and if you can’t carry this through, don’t even bother giving the command. Remember, training is hard work mentally for both you and your pup.
An obedient dog has a pack that knows how to teach the newbie how to fit in … obedience training is often as much about teaching humans as it is about training dogs as it helps to make sure the entire pack uses the same commands and is consistent in its approach - interaction with your dog is meant to be fun - set yourself up for success!
Talks about puppy nipping, toilet training, socialisation and more.
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