Potty Traning
I start potty training as soon as the pups can eliminate by themselves without Mom's help. I put puppy pads with attractants at one end of the whelping box. Pretty soon little pee spots, and poops start appearing on the pad! The instinct to not foul the nest is very strong. When they move out into their pen I put a litter box with a pad in it and they continue to use it. As soon as they go outside they prefer to eliminate out there. I notice they choose one spot in their puppy yard. When you take your pup home I suggest you put puppy pads near the door and when you see her sniffing and circling, brightly and calmly open the door and go outside with her, and make a big fuss when she performs! There will be accidents, puppies are puppies! Never get angry, a firm "no" if you catch him in the act is sufficient. If you don't catch the act, ignore it, pups are not retroactive about this! If you get angry, the pup will become afraid to eliminate in front of you!
Obedience Commands
I begin PGD pups' training before they go home. I teach them to come, the words I use are "Puppy, come" I do this with the food dish in my hand starting at 6 weeks. I also teach the sit by repeating "sit" until a pup site spontaneously, then I pick her up and make a big fuss over her, When they go home at 8 weeks they have these two behaviors down!
Early Neural Stimulation
Early Neural Stimulation (also known as ENS, Biosensor) is a process developed for dogs in the military. From day 3 through day 15 the fastest brain development is taking place in the puppy. These simple exercises are mild stresses that stimulate brain cell proliferation. The result is a dog that is more adaptable, calmer in new and frightening situations and more trainable. Added benefits are a boost to the immune and cardiovascular systems. Here are the 3-5 second exercises I do with the pups up to day 15:
- Pup is held vertically head up
- Pup is held vertically head down
- Pup is cradeled on his back
- Pup is placed on a cold, wet washcloth
- Pup is stimulated between the toes with a Q-tip
