Leo training - from pup to old Leo new tricks!
Leonbergers are often described as 'Gentle Giants'. This statement can be
quite misleading. Yes, they are a gentle breed, adaptable and good with
children but they are not born that way. They are the same as most breeds,
have 42 sharp teeth and need to be guided in the right direction with early
socialisation and consistent, kind training. The following will help you
understand how important this is.
At 49 days old the pup has achieved
adult brain waves so anything they learn early, they learn for life.
Remember that your pup's attention span is very short so lessons should be
brief and pleasant. The puppy passes through various phases of experience
and learning. The following is a brief guide and ages may vary slightly with
each individual pup.
0-6 weeks: A very important time to
learn it is a dog. It plays and lives with its mum and litter mates and
learns what is acceptable dog behaviour from them. It also learns to be
submissive to its mum which is very important to responses to discipline
later on.
6-12 weeks: This is the major
socialisation period and the best time for pup to be introduced to its new
home, new situations, new objects, people, children and other animals. These
experiences should be in a positive manner, but never threatening or
frightening. Training should be positive and kind without punishment.
8-11 weeks: This is the fear imprint
period, during these weeks any painful or frightening experience will be
imprinted on it. Try to avoid stressful situations. A vet's visit at this
time should be pleasant, ask your vet to reward with a tidbit after the
jabs. Avoid any non-emergency surgery at this time.
12-16 weeks: Known as the 'cutting
time', cutting teeth and cutting the apron strings. At this age pup will
start testing pack leadership. It has to be you.
4-6 months: The chewing phase starts
when the milk teeth loosen and pup needs to chew, not caring whether its
your best antiques. Puppy crates will help control the damage when you are
out but never use them as a punishment.
4-8 months: First flight instinct
period , when pup may want to try his wings, taking off and only returning
when he wants. Praise each time he returns, however long it takes!
6-14 months: Second fear imprint
stage. This is harder to define than the first. Your pup may now be
reluctant to approach something new or even exhibit a fear of something
familiar. Be patient but never force your pup, gently expose gradually to
whatever disturbs him. Don't reward his fear by stroking, etc.
8-9 months: Chewing phase two, when
the adult teeth are settling into the jaw, this will cause the dog to chew
again.
1-4 years: This is often marked by
renewed testing of pack position and maybe you will see increased bullying
behaviour to other dogs. Act firmly, continue training, praise and only
reward accepted responses.
This
shows you how important it is to continue training throughout your dogs
life, he will enjoy it and you will both gain respect whilst you are doing
it. There are lots of good training classes, go have a look and if you see
waggy tails and happy owners and the class is quiet and well structured,
give it a go. Any training advice will be freely given so don't hesitate to
make contact with us. We also have basic puppy exercises pamphlets which may
help until you find training classes.
