Puppy Resources
In July 2018, I brought home a new Border Collie/Aussie mix puppy, now named Murphy. With Murphy added to my house hold, I decided to create a page, dedicated to help prepare new puppy owners for the journey ahead of them, and (hopefully) ensure both owner and puppy to get the best start possible.
Preparation is key in order to build a great life together and should start BEFORE you even get the puppy home.
In order to be prepared, you need knowledge. With the internet, you now have access to a lot of free information. But often the information you find is simply overwhelming and even contradicting. So on this page here, I will try and help you by offering access to the training and information, that I have used with Murphy. All, so you can get more knowledgeable about what it actually means to bring a puppy into your household. And how to train and build up your puppy's confidence and skills. So, do yourself and your soon-to-be family member a small favor and spend a bit of time reading the following article and links and watch the video. It will save you from a lot of trouble later :)
Especially pay attention to the critical socialization period (see socialization section below).
Preparation is key in order to build a great life together and should start BEFORE you even get the puppy home.
In order to be prepared, you need knowledge. With the internet, you now have access to a lot of free information. But often the information you find is simply overwhelming and even contradicting. So on this page here, I will try and help you by offering access to the training and information, that I have used with Murphy. All, so you can get more knowledgeable about what it actually means to bring a puppy into your household. And how to train and build up your puppy's confidence and skills. So, do yourself and your soon-to-be family member a small favor and spend a bit of time reading the following article and links and watch the video. It will save you from a lot of trouble later :)
Especially pay attention to the critical socialization period (see socialization section below).
Preparing for your puppy
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Are you thinking about getting a new puppy ? Take a minute (or eleven!) and watch this video, where I list a few things to consider when getting a puppy. Quick note: I did forget to talk about Canine Care such as veterinarian care, grooming, chiropractic care and more - all just as important as any of the other topics I mention in this video. |
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POTTY TRAINING
Potty training can sometimes become a cause of frustration - for both owner and puppy. But it doesn't have to be. In this short video I explain how you and your puppy can both get off to a great start. Structure , management and adding value to the wanted behavior, are all key components for potty training success. And remember, always kind hands! |
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Socialization (critical from 5 - 15 weeks of age)It is their sensitive period for socialization and it is the most important socialization period in a dog’s life. This is not something you can postpone. Puppies who do not get adequate socialization during this period tend to be fearful of unfamiliar people, or dogs, or sounds, objects and environments, so I can not emphasize enough the importance of introducing your puppy to new stimulus already when you get him/her home.
Veterinary behaviorists and other trained behavior specialists recommend puppies attend a puppy socialization class and practice regularly, but what types of interactions should puppies actually have? While some owners focus just on exposing puppies to many people and situations, it’s important to actually make sure that the puppy is having a positive experience and learning something good. Proper Socialization When talking about the importance of socialization, it is imperative to talk about proper socialization. Laura VanArendonk Baugh wrote a great article, "Don't socialize the dog", where she talks about HOW to ensure you are helping your dog progress with new challenges , such as meeting new people or new objects. Quote:" Good socialization introduces a puppy or dog to something new, maybe even challenges the dog a little. Good socialization provides a positive experience for the dog"......."But too often people think only of showing the puppy new things, without taking care that the puppy feels very successful. In fact, sometimes what people intend as helpful socialization creates more problems than it prevents." Read full article here : Don't socialize the dog Proper socialization also doesn't mean, that your dog should say HI to everybody he or she meets. Quite the contrary. When on a leash and out and about, I only let very few people engage with my puppy. It is more important that my puppy learn to calmly observe the environment instead of engaging too much, thus finding more value in other people and dogs than me. That can become a big problem later on in life, if my puppy, now maybe a full blown teenager, thinks that he needs to go say hi to everybody we meet on a walk and tries to drag me to them. So keep in mind, calm and patient behavior will be rewarded. 
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Socialization Checklist
(Click on title and it will take you to the pdf file)
As a rule of thumb, puppies should meet at least 100 people before the age of 16 weeks. But this should be an ongoing process for the first couple of years. And not only with focus on people, but also on new environments, surfaces, items and so on. This socialization checklist is a great log to help inspire and remind you of the things and people your puppy needs to encounter.
(Click on title and it will take you to the pdf file)
As a rule of thumb, puppies should meet at least 100 people before the age of 16 weeks. But this should be an ongoing process for the first couple of years. And not only with focus on people, but also on new environments, surfaces, items and so on. This socialization checklist is a great log to help inspire and remind you of the things and people your puppy needs to encounter.
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Puppy Play Groups
WE DO NOT ACCEPTS PUPPIES THAT GO TO DOG PARKS!! It is a safety and health concern ! UPDATE 2018: If you have a newly adopted dog from the Billings area or one of the Reservation Rescues, you will need to be up-to-date on Parvo/Distemper vaccinations and have had your dog for at least 2 weeks before attending one of our classes, private sessions or puppy play groups. It is recommended to start your puppy in a play group and a training class already at 10 weeks. To see when a new puppy class starts, please visit the Group class page or the Online Shop
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House rules and Management
Rules and management is important from day 1 you bring your new puppy home.
It is a good idea to start thinking about your "rules" at home and what you need to teach your puppy , so (s)he can be successful in the home. Start to write it down. Examples:
Where do you want her/him to be when you eat dinner? If on a mat or a specific place, then teach her/him "go to mat" or "go to kennel" as a part of your training.
What do you want your puppy to do when people come to visit? If settle on a mat, teach her/him that or to go to kennel. It is important that you practice this without visitors first. And first when your puppy is responding correctly 85% -100% of the time, do you add distractions ( visitors). Have your puppy on a leash first so (s)he can't run up to people and jump on them, thus practicing the unwanted behavior. And reward the calm behavior. So there is value in staying calm next to you instead of trying to run up to visitors.
Which behavior would you like to see when you open the door to go outside? if you want a calm wait behavior, then teach your puppy wait at door.
When you are in the kitchen, where would you like her to be? If not in the kitchen with you, teach her "out of the kitchen" or use your "go to mat" .
Your job is to teach your the skills needed to live in your household.
Rules and management is important from day 1 you bring your new puppy home.
It is a good idea to start thinking about your "rules" at home and what you need to teach your puppy , so (s)he can be successful in the home. Start to write it down. Examples:
Where do you want her/him to be when you eat dinner? If on a mat or a specific place, then teach her/him "go to mat" or "go to kennel" as a part of your training.
What do you want your puppy to do when people come to visit? If settle on a mat, teach her/him that or to go to kennel. It is important that you practice this without visitors first. And first when your puppy is responding correctly 85% -100% of the time, do you add distractions ( visitors). Have your puppy on a leash first so (s)he can't run up to people and jump on them, thus practicing the unwanted behavior. And reward the calm behavior. So there is value in staying calm next to you instead of trying to run up to visitors.
Which behavior would you like to see when you open the door to go outside? if you want a calm wait behavior, then teach your puppy wait at door.
When you are in the kitchen, where would you like her to be? If not in the kitchen with you, teach her "out of the kitchen" or use your "go to mat" .
Your job is to teach your the skills needed to live in your household.
"Sit for Please" is a great routine and easy for you to remember. The point is to ask you to sit for :attention, leash on, treat, before open door..and so on. If you are consistent with asking for a sit, your puppy will pick it up, quite quickly. Disclaimer: IF you feel that when you ask for a sitting behavior, your puppy instead gets more stressed and frustrated, then don't ask for the sit. Just wait for a calm behavior and then release for the reward. Emotions are more important that the actual behavior! So we need our puppis to feel safe in the process...otherwise the behavior, such as asking for a sit, will only add to the stress.
In puppy class I also mention the SMART50 protocol, which is focused on your praising and acknowledging whenever your puppy is making good choices throughout the day. It helps tell your dog which behaviors are desired by you. Add when you add value by reinforcing these behaviors, your puppy will repeat them. Simple! So more "yes" , than "no".
See file below.
In puppy class I also mention the SMART50 protocol, which is focused on your praising and acknowledging whenever your puppy is making good choices throughout the day. It helps tell your dog which behaviors are desired by you. Add when you add value by reinforcing these behaviors, your puppy will repeat them. Simple! So more "yes" , than "no".
See file below.
| smart50.docx |
Enrichment activities ( mental stimulation)
Instead of putting all your dog's food in a food bowel, you should instead use the food for a bit of training (5-10 minutes) and save some for the above mentioned SMART50 protocol. The rest , however, should be use for enrichment activities. Often we, the owners, are mainly focused on meeting our dog’s physical needs, but often we forget to also meet our dog’s mental needs. This “lack” of mental stimulation, can often cause an increase in behavioral issues, such as reactivity, separation distress, destructive chewing behavior. Mental stimulation can help create emotional healthy dogs - Plus, it is just such a joy to watch your puppy problem solve and use his/her brain.
Stimulation for animals, just like humans, is not a luxury but a necessity!
A few easy enrichment activities you can play with your puppy is, hide and seek with his food, toss the food in the yard for your puppy to sniff and find, use a snuffle mat, or some of the variety of kibble/treat dispensing toys available on the market today. If you are interested in a variety of cheap DIY enrichment activities, look into my Online Canine Enrichment Self-study course here. You will get access to 13 instructional videos with a variety of difficulty that you can easily implement in your daily activities with your puppy.
Remember, the more mentally tired your puppy is, the more calm he is and the less trouble he will make.
Instead of putting all your dog's food in a food bowel, you should instead use the food for a bit of training (5-10 minutes) and save some for the above mentioned SMART50 protocol. The rest , however, should be use for enrichment activities. Often we, the owners, are mainly focused on meeting our dog’s physical needs, but often we forget to also meet our dog’s mental needs. This “lack” of mental stimulation, can often cause an increase in behavioral issues, such as reactivity, separation distress, destructive chewing behavior. Mental stimulation can help create emotional healthy dogs - Plus, it is just such a joy to watch your puppy problem solve and use his/her brain.
Stimulation for animals, just like humans, is not a luxury but a necessity!
A few easy enrichment activities you can play with your puppy is, hide and seek with his food, toss the food in the yard for your puppy to sniff and find, use a snuffle mat, or some of the variety of kibble/treat dispensing toys available on the market today. If you are interested in a variety of cheap DIY enrichment activities, look into my Online Canine Enrichment Self-study course here. You will get access to 13 instructional videos with a variety of difficulty that you can easily implement in your daily activities with your puppy.
Remember, the more mentally tired your puppy is, the more calm he is and the less trouble he will make.
Training
Blue Creek Canine offers a variety of training options for puppies. You can consider attending a Online group class, private session(s) and/or a group class. (Read more on the Private Training page)
Our puppy package comes highly recommended and offers a combination of all the training options.
Before coming to class, please start teaching your dog to "settle/relax om mat" (see this video). This is NOT a "go to mat" exercise, but instead simply teaching the dog that the mat is an awesome place, where great things (food, bones, stuffed Kong) will happen when he/she lays down to relax. Focus on keeping your puppy's head down , since this posture will help your puppy relax faster - therefore licking is preferred in the beginning!
The Puppy Package
There’s no better time to start training than when you first bring your puppy home! No need to wait until vaccines are finished to begin your puppy’s education. It’s much easier to prevent problem behaviors now, then to fix them later!
After completing this training plan your puppy and you will have a firm foundation to build on for the rest of his life.
Only $595!
Our puppy package comes highly recommended and offers a combination of all the training options.
Before coming to class, please start teaching your dog to "settle/relax om mat" (see this video). This is NOT a "go to mat" exercise, but instead simply teaching the dog that the mat is an awesome place, where great things (food, bones, stuffed Kong) will happen when he/she lays down to relax. Focus on keeping your puppy's head down , since this posture will help your puppy relax faster - therefore licking is preferred in the beginning!
The Puppy Package
There’s no better time to start training than when you first bring your puppy home! No need to wait until vaccines are finished to begin your puppy’s education. It’s much easier to prevent problem behaviors now, then to fix them later!
After completing this training plan your puppy and you will have a firm foundation to build on for the rest of his life.
Only $595!
Body Language |
Puppy Nipping |
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It is important that you learn to read your dog's body language, so you can take your puppy out of any situation that causes him/her (or you!) to feel discomfort or stressed. This video is full of great information about dog’s body language: calming signals, stress signals, anxiety and so on. Great resource which I highly recommend anybody to watch. Again, the more you know, the better you will be able to properly handle the situations you will encounter by "listening" to what your dog is telling you. When observing stress signals in your dog, you can now prevent the stimulus around your puppy to trigger a negative reaction by simply walk away (add distance) and thus control the outcome a lot better and create positive memories. Please also find a lot of great information about body language on this website http://www.ispeakdog.org/ |
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Children and Dogs
Being able to read your dog's body language can be very crucial to ensure appropriate play and interaction between your new puppy and your children.
Supervision is always required and many breaks with child-free and dog-free zones are recommended ( use x-pens or baby gates to create these zones in your home).
Please find some helpful posters and pdf.files below that I highly recommend that you print out and hang up on the refrigerator as a reminder to everyone ( kids included) on how to behave a round a dog.
Teach your children from an early age, that if they want to interact and play with puppy/dog, they should call the dog to them, not just approach. And especially not approach a dog, if he/she eating, sleeping, shewing on a toy or bone. If the puppy/dog responds by coming when your child calls him, the puppy/dog has given consent to the interaction. If the puppy/dog does not come, they most like are not interested. And that should be respected.
Consent is important and can keep everybody safe :)
There are many great resources for living with children and dogs:
But it is important that you establish rules for your children when they CAN and CANNOT interact with the puppy.
Being able to read your dog's body language can be very crucial to ensure appropriate play and interaction between your new puppy and your children.
Supervision is always required and many breaks with child-free and dog-free zones are recommended ( use x-pens or baby gates to create these zones in your home).
Please find some helpful posters and pdf.files below that I highly recommend that you print out and hang up on the refrigerator as a reminder to everyone ( kids included) on how to behave a round a dog.
Teach your children from an early age, that if they want to interact and play with puppy/dog, they should call the dog to them, not just approach. And especially not approach a dog, if he/she eating, sleeping, shewing on a toy or bone. If the puppy/dog responds by coming when your child calls him, the puppy/dog has given consent to the interaction. If the puppy/dog does not come, they most like are not interested. And that should be respected.
Consent is important and can keep everybody safe :)
There are many great resources for living with children and dogs:
- Family Paws Parent Education
- Colleen Pelar: Living with kids and dogs Colleen has written many books, and especially "Puppy Training for kids" is helpful when you want your children to interact and train the new puppy in the correct way.
But it is important that you establish rules for your children when they CAN and CANNOT interact with the puppy.
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"Perfect puppy in 7 days" by Dr. Sophia Yin I highly recommend this book as an excellent support in combination with your puppy training classes. With over 400 photos, Dr. Yin explains step-by-step why puppies do what they do, how the environment and your training methods help form their personalities, and how quickly puppies can learn when you set them up for success. Chapters include:
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AFTER you get your puppy - a FREE e-book by Dr Ian Dunbar
(Click on title and it will take you to the pdf file) AFTER You Get Your Puppy will focus on your puppy's next three developmental deadlines during the first three months your puppy is at home. The clock is still ticking, and you only have three months to get a lot of things done. Quote from book: " The most urgent priority is to socialize your puppy to a wide variety of people, especially children, men, and strangers, before he is twelve weeks old. Well-socialized puppies grow up to be wonderful companions, whereas antisocial dogs are difficult, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous......" " As a rule of thumb, your puppy needs to meet at least a hundred people before he is three months old...." "The most important priority is that your puppy learns reliable bite inhibition and develop a soft mouth before he is eighteen weeks old. " 
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Images from puppy classes.
