When it comes to our own canine companion, what he learns may not have the chance to affect future generations (we have probably prevented that with a neutering procedure). Nonetheless, it’s really powerful stuff. Learning keeps all the elements of L.E.G.S.® moving in real time, giving you and your dog the ability to shift with the turning tides.

Thinking Clearly

When your dog becomes stimulated—be it excited or terrified (good or bad excitement is pretty much the same event to the body)—her nervous system gets stressed. As the level of stimulation/stress in her body increases and builds toward the fight or flight survival response, logical thinking and decision making abilities go down. It is really important to consider how your dog’s internal conditions (self) are influencing her ability to pay attention, follow directions, and learn. If the dog is overstimulated, amped up, frightened, or stressed, she may act in ways that surprise, annoy, or concern you. If she remains in an elevated state of stress (distress) or has a traumatic experience, her ability to learn can become additionally compromised. Remember to pause and consider this possibility, and observe your dog for signs of stress and excessive excitement as you try to make sense of her behavior.

Puppyhood—Where It All Begins

First impressions are everything. Nature has installed a special period of development in young animals to prepare them for the road ahead. During puppyhood, dogs are especially sensitive and open to learning from their experiences. The lessons an animal (including your dog) learns at this phase will set the stage for his future perceptions and behaviors in a powerful way.

By about 16 weeks of age, your puppy will have reached the end of his critical socialization period. You don’t always get the chance to raise your own dog and influence his experience during this time. You may have some knowledge of what his life was like during those first few months, or it could be a complete mystery. If you do acquire your puppy before he reaches four months of age, you have a precious opportunity to cultivate positive experiences and a healthy relationship from the start.

This period of time is a really big deal. This critical socialization period programs an animal for life, teaching him the basics: who his friends and enemies are, what is safe and what is dangerous, what is normal and what is weird, what to do and what not to do, in all kinds of conditions. Puppies are like sponges during this time. What your dog experiences—and what he doesn’t—during these months can create enormous behavior problems in the future or go a long way toward preventing them. Having positive or neutral experiences with something can prevent fearful reactions to it later in life. Though not the only factor, “how you raise them” does make one heck of a difference.