The first 18 weeks of a dogs life is the most important time for developing the dog's behaviours. (if you have a working breed like a Kelpie or a Blue Heeler it is 15 weeks!)
Get it right and the dog learns so quickly it is amazing. They are like a sponge absorbing all that is going on around them. I have been to many workshops with world famous animal behaiourists and trainers like Ian Dunbar, Jean Donaldson, Donna Duford and Patricia McConnell and their message is clear- A well trained puppy builds a fabulously trained dog.
Often I am called in when the puppy is 6-12 months of age and has started to develop into a fully grown dog. Suddenly that funny 'Puppy Behaviour' isn't so cute and the owner has a huge job to retrain the dog to become a well mannered pet dog that is a joy to have around. It can be done but it just takes more work.
If you are going to get a dog or know somebody who is please download Dr Ian Dunbar's free book and prepare yourself before the dog arrives home.
Over the next couple of months I will be building out the Puppy School with lots more interesting information and resources.