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Puppy Learning:

Is there anything more adorable than having a new puppy in your home?  Chances are, he’s bouncy, he’s playful, most of all, he’s yours.

That said, when it comes to puppy learning 101, there are a lot of things to remember.  A well-adjusted puppy will likely grow into a well-adjusted adult, therefore, the learning curve is key as well as how you reinforce your puppy to create the desired behavior you’re seeking.

When it comes to puppy learning, he’ll look at a new object inquisitively.  Curious, he’ll start to smell it, bite it or play with it, and smell it again.  There are a variety of learning stages especially since puppies model after their mothers; once they’re in your home it’s up to the family to create positive learning experiences for the pup.  Just like a child, the puppy will decipher information you give it and adapt accordingly.  

Puppy learning includes several different factors.  For instance, when it comes to puppy learning and learning by association, your dog will associate things with other things. If you’re thinking of the example with Pavlov’s dogs (eventually the dog salivates when he hears a bell and doesn’t even need to see the food), you’re not alone. 

Similar to a child, it’s no surprise when it comes to puppy learning your pooch will learn by trial and error.  For instance, it will learn from different situations based on how you react. If your pup does something to get your attention for instance and you let it go and don’t pay attention, it most likely will not try it again.  In other instances for puppy learning, your pooch will learn by habits.  If he’s scared of something the concept is to lose the fear by keeping the fear close rather than further away.  In another scenario, your puppy will be observant and try to emulate its family.  Since it’s likely the puppy is separated from his mother, you may notice him try to imitate an older dog that lives at home.

Above all, when it comes down to puppy learning you’ll want to be a disciplinarian without instilling anxiety and fear into your puppy.  You’ll want to shower him or her with love and affection without spoiling your little loved one, of course.  There’s a delicate balance but above all your puppy is learning and there’s nothing better than puppy learning than instilling good behaviors and habits.

At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being.  For more information about puppy learning and training and behaviors click here.