General Learning

• Dogs learn by association within about 5 seconds.
• Dogs don’t generalize behaviors in all settings. It is important to teach the behavior you want in all the settings you want that behavior to occur.

For example, the dog can sit on command in your home, but out in a busy mall when told to sit may “forget” or “not listen.” In reality, the dog hasn’t generalized the cue within each novel environment.

• It is important for puppies to have positive associations with all types of environments. Take things slowly and reward the puppy for exploring and interacting.

10 to 13 Weeks

Puppies will put everything in their mouth. Biting and chewing are common.

• Trading - trade an inappropriate object for an appropriate one.
• Offer sturdy chew toys such as a kong or Nylabone to satisfy chewing.

The puppy will still have accidents but should begin to show signs that it needs to go outside.

• Keep a consistent feeding and potty routine.
• Avoid giving the puppy too much freedom to roam in the house.
• Pay close attention to the puppy’s signals. Some puppies are obvious while others are subtle.
• Housetraining regressions are common. The puppy may be distracted by things in the environment both indoors and out.

A puppy makes associations with everything it encounters. Keep them positive.

• Always praise and treat the puppy when it comes to you and for allowing you to handle their body.
• Short outings are best with lots of treats.
• Expose the puppy to different surfaces, people, and objects. Reward the puppy for exploring and interacting.
• Offer delayed gratification. Introduce the dog to the puppy zen game.