While there are many innate temperament traits (nature), we can't discount how a puppy is raised (nurture). 3/4 of the puppy raising job belongs to the breeder and 1/4 of this job belongs to us, the puppy owners. The first 12 weeks of a puppy's life make a lasting impact. It is the critical socialization period that can support a dog toward being a well adjusted and resilient doggy citizen or lead them to be fearful or a bully of a dog.

Because it's a team effort, choosing a responsible breeder is crucial and at least as important as understanding what to do once puppy comes home.

Our guest, Jane Killion, is a breeder of bull terriers and creator of Puppy Culture: an educational film and program on exactly how to raise puppies during their first 12 weeks. In today's episode you will learn:

• Why early socialization is so important.


• What kind of experiences a young puppy need to do well in the world.


• How many positive contacts with a new experience is necessary for a puppy to form a lifetime of positive association.


• What to do if a puppy accidentally has a bad experience so you can change their formed association.


• Why it's important to skip any kind of exposure that you're not confident will go well.
  


• Why play dates with one other safe dog are better than big play groups.


• Why you should be cautious about big puppy playdates.


• Jane's perspective on the best age for breeders to send puppies home.


• All about "manding" -- the concept of teaching puppies how to politely ask for what they want and why it's important.


• The importance of giving your dog a voice early on.


• And more!

Special Guest: Jane Killion.

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Links:

• Puppy Culture Website
• Jane's article on socialization during a pandemic — The reality of coronavirus is that many socialization opportunities are gone for now. Jane's article gives great tips on how to manage socialization while maintaining social distance.
• LIVE broadcast on how to socialize during coronavirus? — Wondering how you can socialize your puppy during the coronavirus pandemic?
  
  As a follow up to our article, here is a recording of our live broadcast that talks more about creative solutions to socializing puppies while maintaining social distance. These are trying times, but I also think we're going to learn a lot from this experience that will benefit us now and in the future.
• Jane's journal article on manding
• Jane's article on the Neurological Shaping of Neonates and ENS vs SMS
• Follow Puppy Culture on IG
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• Puppy Culture Discussion Group
• New Puppy Owner Starter Pack
• When Pigs Fly dog training book