Puppy Training
At Perfect Companion Puppies, we take great pride in our training program. To obtain our goal of providing the Perfect Companion Puppy, we focus our training on the critical first 12-week period when puppies are the most impressionable.
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
Clicker conditioning and training are based on classical conditioning (Pavlovian Conditioning). We begin with conditioning the desired response. We click the clicker and immediately reward the puppy with a treat. The process produces a very positive association between food and the clicker. Once conditioned, the puppy has a good, relaxed, and expectant feeling when hearing the clicker. Once conditioned, the clicker training can begin. As training progresses, we transition from the clicker to praise and petting. We associate the clicker with a behaviour we desire. This is foundational to future training.
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.
