Excerpts from a new article Im writing ... Your thoughts please!!!

8 to 16 Weeks
It's A Strange New World
During this period of time a puppy's mind is like a big sponge and it is also when the most rapid learning occurs. This means that the things your puppy learns during this time are critically important. The puppy's long term memory is also established during this time so it is the perfect time to start basic training.

Because a puppy's attention span is very short, training should be done in short segments of one to three minutes. Remember, at this age any training must be fun for the dog or it will not want to learn. This would also be the best time to begin introducing the puppy to the other important things in his life. After the initial bonding time has been completed, take time to introduce the puppy to new people, places, other animals, cars, the washing machine and other unusual items in it's world. At this point in time, puppies are driven by curiosity so they don't usually fear to many things. If you take the time to introduce all of these things in a positive and non-threatening way, you will have a more confident dog as time goes by.

From five weeks to eleven weeks any traumatic, frightening or painful experience will have a more lasting effect on the puppy so be sure to avoid any situation that might frighten, traumatize or cause pain. If handled incorrectly, you may instill a lasting fear of the things that frightened it. (car horns, loud noises, the vet etc). Never coddle, or sympathize with the puppy when it is showing fear. This only serves to confirm the fear. It is advised that you simply redirect the puppy on to a positive activity like a play session.

13 to 16 Weeks
Coming into Their Own
Puppy starts to cut teeth about this time so by now you should have discouraged all biting. and the puppy should have started to learn and understand bite inhibition. It is also important that your bond between you and the puppy is fully established. If it is not established, you are in for a few very tough years. The bond of trust and respect will allow you access to teach your puppy what you expect, and with some consistent parental like leadership you will make leaps and bounds in your training.

From eight weeks and sixteen weeks is the most important period in your dog’s life. It will learn more during this time than it will at any other time in it's life. Most behaviorists feel that the personality traits your dog exhibits at sixteen weeks will reflect what it will be like as an adult dog. The only way to change an unwanted trait will be extensive training and/or behavior modification. So it is important that you work hard to give your puppy the best start in life possible.

I like it, its very well written and very concise.

I agree with everything thats written, the only thing that I've learned recently is that fear can't really be reinforced. I definitely think that coddeling is a no no, but reassuring the pup is probably alright as long as you show them that there isn't anything to be afraid of. Here, I posted a little about this on K9Mania: http://www.k9mania.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14051

But you don't have to change it if this doesn't seem plausible to you. I think your article is definitely going well.

Steven_L wrote:

I like it, its very well written and very concise.

I agree with everything thats written, the only thing that I've learned recently is that fear can't really be reinforced. I definitely think that coddeling is a no no, but reassuring the pup is probably alright as long as you show them that there isn't anything to be afraid of. Here, I posted a little about this on K9Mania: http://www.k9mania.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14051

But you don't have to change it if this doesn't seem plausible to you. I think your article is definitely going well.

Steven, Most of my research was in books and atrticle that were written some time ago. I agree with you that it is fine to recognize the fear as long as you dont dwell on it. I usually say something like, "Its OK, Come on" and move on.

What do you think of the re-write?

From five weeks to eleven weeks any traumatic, frightening or painful experience can have a more lasting effect on the puppy. It is advisable that you avoid any situation that might frighten, traumatize or cause pain. If handled incorrectly, you may instill a lasting fear of the things that frightened it. (car horns, loud noises, the vet etc). Never coddle, or over sympathize with the puppy when it is showing fear. If you have an already timid or fearful puppy this can serve to confirm the fear. It is advised that you simply say "It's OK" and then redirect the puppy on to a positive activity like a play session.

That sounds good

Are you still working to add more? I think its turning out great, keep it up

Steven_L wrote:

That sounds good

Are you still working to add more? I think its turning out great, keep it up

Yes, I posted it earier today. Here's a link:
http://www.abetterdog4u.com/articles/life_as_a_puppy.htm

Wow, love the way you ended your article stressing how important it is to be more parent like rather than a Pack Leader, very well done. +2p4U

Steven_L wrote:

Wow, love the way you ended your article stressing how important it is to be more parent like rather than a Pack Leader, very well done. +2p4U

THANK YOU, That has always been the CORE of my training philosophy.