03/06/2015
Next Lesson – Fear Imprint Cycle
I’m sure I’ve posted this somewhere in the past, but it is well worth repeating.
Between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks is a period in a puppy’s life known as the Fear Imprint Cycle. During this period any trauma, as viewed by the puppy, could be behavior setting for the life of the dog. This includes, dragging the puppy with a lead, slapping the puppy for ill behavior, poor potty training techniques, improper corrections for biting.. etc.
It’s best to try to work through this period without any corrections if possible. If it becomes necessary to correct such a small dog, then perform it in a manner that teaches and does not create or cause a traumatic experience for the puppy.
For example: The puppy comes into your home and leaves a nice brown package on your living room rug. Grabbing the puppy, pushing his nose in it, and slapping, does nothing more than scare the BeJesus out of the dog. TRAUMA. After all this puppy has been leaving that package all over the place and no one cared, and now it’s a crime. The scenario I just gave is acted out every day somewhere and I assure you there is a puppy that has been traumatized.
If you don’t know how to fix the problem, that’s what I do for a living. I give away more than I’ve ever charged for, so call, email, text, or stop me on the street, I’ll do my best to give you a solution.
By the way, Fear Imprinting occurs again at 10 months of age, but is not as severe a period as the first.
Good Day… and Good Training.