Eclipse Early Puppy Training
Our puppy training starts at 3 days of age. When we tell that to most people they look at us in disbelieve. We start a series of daily exercises with each puppy at day three and continue them until their eyes and ears open. Then we gradually add more stimulation such as sounds, new toys, obstacles and different floor textures to name a few.
This early neurological stimulation was developed by the military and referred to as “Bio Sensor” training. Based on their research, the military learned that early neurological stimulation exercises could have important and lasting effects such as:
- Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate)
- Stronger heart beats
- Stronger adrenal glands
- More tolerance to stress
- Greater resistance to disease
- More alert as puppies and adults
If you would like more information on Early Neurological Stimulation I suggest the following resources:
The Monks of New Skete The Art of Raising a Puppy http://www.newsketemonks.com
Breeding Better Dogs by Carmen L. Battaglia http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com
Crate Training
We start crate training at 4 weeks. A small crate minus the door is used as the pups safe place. They are able to come and go at will and pile together in the "den" to sleep. They come out to nurse from mom, eat puppy gruel, and eliminate. This early exposure teaches them that a crate is their home and they naturally do not want to eliminate where they sleep. 
By the time a pup goes home with their new people, they are sleeping through the night in their own individual crates. Continuing this practice with your pup, makes the transition to their new home easier for them and gives the owner a safe place for the puppy to sleep when he can not be watched.
We never advocate leaving a 10 week old pup in a crate all day while their people are gone, puppies bladders are not strong enough for them to control it for much longer than a few hours during the day. You don't want him to start eliminating where he sleeps out of necessity. This counteracts the whole purpose of crate training.
A good practice is to place the pup in his den. The minute the pup wakes up or every few hours during the day, take the pup out to where you want the puppy to eliminate. Stay with him outside until you are sure he has and praise him like crazy when he does. If you attach a word to his elimination process, like now, job or spot, your pup will soon learn to eliminate on command. This makes your life a lot easier especially on a cold winter night or when you are traveling. DO NOT just put him out and walk away. Your pup does not understand that the giant house you live in is your den and is not to be peed in. You have to show him where you expect him to eliminate.
If you do this when the pup wakes up, with a 1/2 hour after eating, or immediatly after a play seesion, your task of house training your pup will go alot smoother.
House Breaking
I read this somewhere; if your puppy ever eliminates in the house, take a newspaper, roll it up and hit your self aside the head with it. I would like to add, repeat the phrase, "bad human" several times.
The old school approach of punishing a puppy by disgusting methods such as physical abuse or shoving the pup's nose in it, DO NOT WORK! Your pup may be the smartest puppy ever but he will not understand "I get punished if I eliminate in the house", he will only understand I get punished.
The best way to house train is to use a crate and reward the puppy with praise when he goes where you want him to.
Socializing
This is one of the most important things you can do for you and your puppy! When you get a puppy from us the process of socializing has been well started.
Until your puppy has had all of his puppy shots, only take him to safe clean places. Dog parks and the local pet store where you don't know what dog has brought what virus into the area is not a safe place. Your friends house whos dog has had all his shots, the home improvement store parking lot and the grocery store and a reputable dog training center puppy class are much better choices.
People love puppies, and I promise that if you stand out side the grocery store you will be a people magnet. Encouage people to pet your new puppy and praise him when they do. You want your puppy to be friendly and unafraid of strangers. Especially seek out kids to play with your pup if you do not have them in your home.
The more different noises, situations and people that you can expose your puppy to the better. Doing this will give you an adult that loves people and is not wigged out by the unexpected.
© 2007 Eclipse Miniature Schnauzers - All Rights Reserved.No portion of this website or its images may be reproduced in part or total without the expressed written consent. Please contact the site's webmaster for more information.
