what is "puppy culture" and why is it important?
Puppy Culture is a series of videos (along with a workbook) created by a team of breeders, veterinarians and behaviorist who explain the science behind early socialization and training.
Research has shown (and this is explained in depth in the Puppy Culture video) that young puppies’ brains are like sponges. They can absorb and process information much faster than an older dog at this young age. The best part is, the information given to them now will stay with them for a long time.
Puppies also have very little fear during their first weeks, so new experiences are approached with curiosity. To capitalize on this, Puppy Culture instructs us to introduce various objects, locations, and experiences that they might encounter during their lifetime; always in positive ways. This teaches puppies to approach novelty with calm, curiosity rather than fear.
The first 12 weeks are a crucial time for shaping a puppy into the type of dog we all want. While training done later in life may work, it takes much more time and effort and some things are almost impossible to train out of an adult dog. Especially with giant breeds, there is just some things we want to control BEFORE it's too late.
For dogs, if they learn in the first 12 weeks that something new can be scary, they will forever carry that with them. However, if they learn that new experiences are something to be happy about and look forward to, they will be able to continue that throughout their lifetime. The goal is that they approach new experiences with calm confidence.
The way Puppy Culture helps with this is by encouraging breeders and owners to introduce a new object or experience to the puppies world every day from the time they can see (about 10-14 days old). The new objects can be different surfaces to walk on, textures to chew on, toys, household items, etc. Experiences include exploring a new room in the house, hearing different sounds, or feeling water for the first time.
As the puppies grow, the experiences become a little more complex and exciting. They get to go outside or explore different areas of the property along with children, teenagers and adults.
Below you will be able to click on a few videos to see how the pups are neurologically stimulated during days 3-16 of their life. As the pups age and progress, more complex and challenging stimulation is added, but closely monitored.
Research has shown (and this is explained in depth in the Puppy Culture video) that young puppies’ brains are like sponges. They can absorb and process information much faster than an older dog at this young age. The best part is, the information given to them now will stay with them for a long time.
Puppies also have very little fear during their first weeks, so new experiences are approached with curiosity. To capitalize on this, Puppy Culture instructs us to introduce various objects, locations, and experiences that they might encounter during their lifetime; always in positive ways. This teaches puppies to approach novelty with calm, curiosity rather than fear.
The first 12 weeks are a crucial time for shaping a puppy into the type of dog we all want. While training done later in life may work, it takes much more time and effort and some things are almost impossible to train out of an adult dog. Especially with giant breeds, there is just some things we want to control BEFORE it's too late.
For dogs, if they learn in the first 12 weeks that something new can be scary, they will forever carry that with them. However, if they learn that new experiences are something to be happy about and look forward to, they will be able to continue that throughout their lifetime. The goal is that they approach new experiences with calm confidence.
The way Puppy Culture helps with this is by encouraging breeders and owners to introduce a new object or experience to the puppies world every day from the time they can see (about 10-14 days old). The new objects can be different surfaces to walk on, textures to chew on, toys, household items, etc. Experiences include exploring a new room in the house, hearing different sounds, or feeling water for the first time.
As the puppies grow, the experiences become a little more complex and exciting. They get to go outside or explore different areas of the property along with children, teenagers and adults.
Below you will be able to click on a few videos to see how the pups are neurologically stimulated during days 3-16 of their life. As the pups age and progress, more complex and challenging stimulation is added, but closely monitored.