What a delight to have such a well-adaptive and behaved pet, right? But it takes some real work to raise our pets with good behavior. Learning the basics of puppy culture training prepares both the doodle and the owner for a more friendly, stress-free relationship. 

What is Puppy Culture? 

Puppy culture is a program adopted by breeders to enrich the lives of puppies at an early stage of their lives. This was initiated by Jane Killion, a dog breeder, and author. The training program incorporates the socialization of our pets and owners learning their behavioral traits. 

Puppy culture emphasizes the important lessons in rearing puppies and socialization among dogs. 

Included in this program are lessons beneficial to puppies from birth up until their adulthood. Some of the lessons are: 

• Preparation and Prenatal care

• Early neurological stimulation 

• Manding

• Potty training

• Basic Obedience Training

• Aggression Prevention 

• Basic Manners

• Early socialization 

• Emotional Resilience 

• Problem-Solving 

• Fear Handling

Why is puppy culture important? 

• It provides breeders with the perspective of a behaviorist and not just as a breeder.

• Owners learn the cue on which experiences are beneficial for the puppies

• Helps develop puppies that are confident and can easily cope with stress

• Owners become more appreciative of their pet’s individuality.  

Basics of puppy culture training that you need to know

1. Socialize Your Puppy Early 

As the saying goes, ‘no man is an island.’ We do need friends around to help us cope with everyday stress. The same goes for our furry friends. Socialization is recommended at least within the first 3-5 weeks of your puppy. This is the period where the doodle learns about social behavior which could impact its adult life. 

At Stokeshire, we have developed socialization programs designed to help your puppies become more well-adjusted to their environment. Socialization is an important aspect to let your pets know their place inside your house. It is also integral in dealing with developmental issues such as fear or aggression. Reed Animal Hospital pointed out several benefits of socialization of pets such as: 

• A more healthy reaction is seen in dogs that socialize with other animals and pets.

• Unnecessary fear or aggression is prevented, if not, lessened by socialization programs

• A stress-free vet visit or a walk to the park having a dog accustomed to sounds, sights, and smells

• Socialization helps dogs develop good social manners.

You can also take note of these behavior and socialization plans once your pet reaches adulthood. 

2. Explore Responsible Dog Ownership 

Dog Ownership comes with plenty of responsibilities, especially for first-time dog owners. If you take the time to educate yourself on these duties, you can better take care of your pet. Looking after another breathing animal is both a great privilege and a huge responsibility. Below are just some of the responsibilities of a dog owner.

• Dog-proof your home and make it pet-friendly. 

• Making sure the dog gets proper training and exercise. 

• Vet visits are regular for check-ups and preventive care

• Vaccinations and medicines are on schedule 

• Be financially prepared to look after your dog’s needs. 

• Proper diet and food 

• Owners should also be aware of local and national laws and regulations on dog ownership

• Make sure that small kids are safe to be around pets and vice versa.

Being a responsible dog owner is making sure that the dog gets the proper care and sustenance they need. This ensures that they live in an environment free from harmful and stressful environments. If proper care is given, you are increasing the chance of your pet living longer and happier. 

3. Learn Basic Training Skills 

Puppy Culture Training, a holistic approach, to raising a good-mannered doodle. Training could be done either 1 on 1 or with a group. It can also be done online or face-to-face. Included in the training are:

• Basic Obedience class 

• Housebreaking 

• Socialization with other animals and human interaction

At Stokeshire, we do offer puppy sound training. This training is introduced to puppies three weeks old and above. Different sounds are introduced to your pet as part of the training. This is designed to make them calm, confident, and secure despite the varying sound they hear. 

Learning basic training prepares your pet for new environments or sudden changes in their situations. They become more comfortable, instead of fearful, with new stimuli around them. 

4. Establish Boundaries With Positive Reinforcement 

Establishing a positive reinforcement environment is integral in making sure doodles feel accepted, safe, and loved. Positive reinforcement is vital in setting boundaries with your dog whilst rewarding it for good behavior. There are plenty of ways to practice positive reinforcement. 

• Giving rewards like treats, praise, or toys once a command is followed 

• You can also use a clicker to train dogs and reward them after a desirable behavior is done.

Some of the rewards you can give your pet to help shape their positive behavior are:  

• Dog treats

• Toys 

• Pat/Petting or Belly Rub

• Praise (saying ‘Good Dog’)

• Games & Play Time

When it comes to training, Stokehire’s philosophy gives high emphasis on developing a strong bond between the pet and its owner. We believe that although genetics is of high importance to the dog’s overall development, the way they are nurtured and trained at an early age is equally important. These are integral contributory factors in raising healthy, smart, and happy doodles. 

5. Create a Healthy and Fun Environment for Your Puppy

A healthy and fun environment is ideal for raising your doodles. Every pet lover and dog owner aims for this. This requires us to give our pets enough space to move and play around. This also entails that they are given a clean space in their homes. In addition, access to toys to keep them active and mentally stimulated should be encouraged. Here are some ways to create such a safe and cozy space for them.

• Regularly clean their area to keep it dry and free from germs and bacteria

• Established a place where they can rest quietly without any human disturbance 

• Keep their favorite toys, blankets, and towels within reach 

• Check the temperature around their area - not too hot or too cold for them 

Puppy culture is an important training in rearing our puppies to become well-behaved pets in the future. Credible breeders integrate this holistic training in order to better understand the dog’s behavior and its needs. If you are interested to learn more about puppy culture, join our community here: