Puppy Training
At Perfect Companion Puppies, we take immense pride in our training program. Our mission is to provide the Perfect Companion Puppy, and to achieve this, we concentrate on the crucial first 12-week period when puppies are most impressionable. This early training ensures they develop into well-behaved, loving companions, ready to bring joy to their new families.
ENS or Early Neurological Stimulation
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), which involves applying mild stressors to a very young animal for short periods, is thought to improve their stress responses later in life. Stressors (brief exposure to cool temperatures, holding them in different positions, and gently stimulating parts of their bodies) are applied for a few seconds once a day for thirteen days in our program. Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS): Implications for canine welfare and management
Clicker Conditioning & Training
At Perfect Companion Puppies, clicker conditioning and training are grounded in classical (Pavlovian) conditioning. We start by conditioning the desired response: clicking the clicker and immediately rewarding the puppy with a treat. This process creates a positive association between the clicker and food, resulting in a relaxed and expectant feeling in the puppy when it hears the clicker. Once conditioned, we use the clicker to train the puppy. As training progresses, we gradually transition from using the clicker to offering praise and petting. This foundational approach associates the clicker with desired behaviors, setting the stage for future training success.
Potty Training
Potty training starts as soon as the puppies leave the nesting area to relieve themselves. We use puppy pads to keep the area clean and dry. Once the puppies are more mobile, we add a litter box with appropriate absorption pellets. The next step is adding a large litter area with wood shavings for the puppies. The last step is scheduled trips outdoors and closely watching the puppies for signs of needing to go. By the time the puppies go to their new homes, they are well on their way to being fully potty trained.
Manding
Manding is a skill we teach to help puppies learn to communicate, relax, and focus before they enter their forever home. Manding is a skill application trained by capturing and shaping methods that help dogs communicate with us. We use manding training as taught by Jane Killion From Puppy Culture. Jane describes manding:
“Mand, which is a way of asking for things… [is] one of the most important skills for any social creature!”
“Dogs have needs and they communicate them through behaviors. The need to be heard is a deep, emotional need for all social animals. And we are saying to him, ‘You have voice. I’m gonna listen to you, but I’m going to show you how you can speak to me.’”
To read more about Puppy Culture, click here.
Socialization and Habituation
Early socialization and habituation to diverse stimuli, environments, and experiences. Structured socialization exercises, exposure to novel sounds, and positive interactions with humans and other animals help puppies develop into well-adjusted and sociable adults.
