Puppy Development

Puppy training encompasses so many different points.  There's housebreaking & potty training, kennel training, obedience training, socialization, and more.  What do you focus on when, and how?

The "Developmental Stages" of puppies. 

Their first 7-10 weeks with us included lots of developmental opportunities, including neurological stimulation, daily one-on-one time with each puppy, plenty of household noises (vacuum, kids, infants, fans, etc), exposure to new surfaces (wood, tile, linoleum, carpet, cement, grass, etc), lots of playtime with mama and littermates, playtime with new people, and much more.  We worked with them every day to come home to you well socialized and well rounded.  

Now it's up to you! 

Our main thoughts on the puppy time period (and links to helpful reading!):

~ Socialize, socialize, socialize!  Let friends come over and give treats to your puppy.  Expose your puppy to new sounds and experiences.  If something sets them off, or freaks them out, gently repeat that something with treats, and work to help your puppy associate it with positive reinforcements.  A great socializing opportunity can be found in puppy training classes.

~ Be aware of the "fear period(s)".  Puppies tend to have these periods from 8-11 weeks, and again around 6-14 months.  Work to make sure that they have lots of great experiences!  

~ Be cautious of Parvo.  It can affect any dog, but puppies are the most vulnerable.  There is never any guarantee even if you are cautious, but little things can help a lot. 

• Protecting Your Dog from Parvovirus by the Whole Dog Journal
• Parvo: An Introduction by the Veterinary Insider
• The Importance of Proper Parvo Protection by Randy Walker, DVM

Most of all, let your Berner be a member of your family!  Like children, they need boundaries and firm rules, but thrive under love and gentle kindness!