SuperNova International Dog Sports Academy

Puppy enrichment— types of enrichment and benefits

Puppy enrichment

Puppy toilet training tips — be patience.
All the best in training your puppy.

Congrats to Jane and Xiaohei for graduating from Comprehensive Good Canine Citizen ( private ). Thanks for the reviews.

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Have you ever seen a dog bite someone? Were one of these common bite triggers involved?

The best time to prevent dog bites is during puppyhood! A little proactive desensitization can go a long way, especially because the most common bite triggers are so very predictable.

If every new puppy owner took the time to teach their pup to feel comfortable around all types of people, to enjoy being held and handled, and to be happy relinquishing valued objects., the world of dogs would be a much happier and safer place!

If you agree, please like and share this post.
Learn More: https://dunbar.info/prevent-bites-puppy-socialization

Our Essential Puppy Training Course provides detailed instructional videos about how to do ALL of this with easy exercises that are fun for the whole family. And it's currently on sale for 75% off: https://dunbar.info/sept24puppy

You'll get instant, lifetime access to our super comprehensive and easy-to-follow, on-demand video course. And if you want, you can add 3 months of personalized puppy help and advice for 75% off as well: https://dunbar.info/sept24pupsupport

Or, maybe you would rather check out our Free Puppy Training Course: https://dunbar.info/freepupcourse

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

Thanks for your positive reviews 😊

Shock Collars | Positively.com What are shock collars and why are they so ineffective (and unsafe) to use on dogs?

🐾Understanding a puppy’s developmental stages is important to providing the right training, support, exposure, and socialisation at each phase. These stages have a profound effect on shaping a pup's long-term behaviour, especially when it comes to handling stress, fear, and new experiences. The key to having a ‘well-rounded’ adult dog is to recognise and understand the fear periods puppies go through, and how these can impact their overall development and emotional well-being.

Neonatal Period (0–2 Weeks)

During the neonatal stage, puppies are entirely dependent on their mother. Their eyes and ears are closed, and they spend most of their time sleeping and nursing. At this age, there’s very little environmental interaction or learning beyond the comfort and safety of their litter[1].

Transitional Period (+- 2–3 Weeks)

In this short but crucial phase, puppies start to develop their senses. Their eyes and ears open, and they begin to explore their immediate surroundings. This is when their motor skills develop, and they become more active. While fear isn’t yet a significant factor at this stage, early positive and gentle handling can set the groundwork for future interactions and socialisation[1].

Socialisation Period (+- 3 -16 Weeks)

The socialisation period is one of the most critical phases in a puppy’s life. During this time, they are highly receptive to forming social bonds and learning about their environment. Positive exposure to various people, animals, sounds, and experiences is extremely important to shaping a well-rounded adult dog. Socialisation during this period has a lasting impact on their behaviour, making it a key time for introducing puppies to the world in a controlled, and positive way[1].

Fear Periods in the Socialisation Stage:

Around the 8–12 week mark, puppies experience their first significant fear period. This is when they become particularly sensitive to new experiences and can easily form fear-based responses. During this window, it’s important to ensure that any exposure to new environments or stimuli is positive and non-threatening. Negative experiences at this stage can lead to long-term fear or aggression issues. This sensitivity is linked to the puppy’s rapidly developing nervous system, which makes them more reactive to stimuli[1].

Juvenile Period (+- 3–6 Months)

The juvenile period which is also known as the ‘terrible teens’ is influenced by increased independence. Puppies become more curious and eager to explore their surroundings. Their motor skills are more refined, and they start to solidify the behaviours and social cues they’ve been learning. However, they are still developing emotionally and mentally, so ongoing socialisation and positive reinforcement are incredibly important[2].

At this stage, some puppies may experience a second fear period, usually around the 4–6-month mark. This is typically a shorter phase but can still lead to heightened sensitivity and reactivity, particularly to unfamiliar people, animals, or environments. Like the earlier fear period, it’s important to carefully manage their experiences during this time to prevent the formation of long-term fear-based responses[2].

Adolescence (+- 6–18 Months)

Adolescence can be the most challenging stage for both puppies and their owners. As their bodies and minds continue to develop, many adolescent pup’s become more independent, test boundaries in the sense of figuring out what behaviours work or don’t and may even seem to “forget” cue’s you may have taught them. It’s so important to remember and understand that the environment plays a HUGE part in their behaviour.

During this period, various areas of the brain mature at different rates. This phase is associated with increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can influence a dog's emotional responses and sensitivity to stimuli. The amygdala, a region in the brain linked to processing emotions, becomes more reactive, contributing to heightened fear responses. Additionally, changes in neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin, impact mood regulation and influence how the dog perceives and copes with stressors. These neurochemical fluctuations shape the dog's behaviour and emotional responses during this critical developmental period [4].

The two last fear stages are around 6–13 months, and around 14-18 months, where adolescent pups might suddenly become cautious or reactive towards things they were previously comfortable with. This stage can coincide with hormonal changes, and careful environmental management is needed to set the dog up for success, not put them in a position where they may ‘fail’, and to reinforce positive experiences as well as avoid letting fearful responses become habitual. It’s a good time to revisit training, focus on building confidence, and continue appropriate exposure and socialisation.

🧠The Role of Fear Periods in the Fight-or-Flight Response

This is the most important thing to understand when it comes to fear periods!!!! Instincts are involuntary and are a natural part of puppy development, designed to help them become more aware of potential threats to defend and protect themselves. These periods are characterised by the fight-or-flight response, which is triggered by specific chemicals, mainly adrenaline and cortisol [3].

Adrenaline is responsible for the immediate fight-or-flight response, making animals more reactive and alert to perceived threats. Whether they choose to flee or defend themselves depends on their temperament, past experiences, and how they are managed during these fear periods.

Cortisol, the stress hormone, plays a key role in managing longer-term stress. Repeated exposure to stressful situations without proper appropriate management can result in chronic anxiety and reactivity in the dog[4].

💪How to Support Your Puppy Through Fear Periods??

Fear periods can be daunting for both puppies and their owners, but with the right support with a force-free positive reinforcement trainer, puppies can navigate these stages and become more confident and resilient with emotional maturity and time.
To end off my very long post here are a few tips to help manage fear periods…

Reward behaviours you like when you see your puppy doing them. This includes calm behaviour and DO NOT punish fearful responses, which could make the situation worse. Puppies do not misbehave the way humans interpret it! Their behaviours are usually natural responses to their environment, and what we might label as “misbehaviour” is often just a result of unmet needs, confusion, or stress.

Introduce new experiences gradually, ensuring that your puppy doesn’t become overwhelmed. Make new interactions positive and manageable.

Remember that fear periods are temporary. Remain calm, and don’t force your puppy into situations they find intimidating.
I hope this helps you understand fear periods and your puppy or adult dog better. Please reach out to your nearest force-free, science-based trainer in your area if you need help.💜

[1] Scott, J.P. and Fuller, J.L. (1965) Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

[2] Serpell, J. (2017) ‘The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior, and Interactions with People’, in Serpell, J. (ed.) The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People. 2nd edn. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 21-47.

[3] Overall, K.L. (2013) Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. St. Louis: Elsevier Health Sciences.

[4] Freedman, D.G., King, J.A. and Elliot, O. (1961) ‘Critical Period in the Social Development of Dogs’, Science, 133(3457), pp. 1016-1017.

This is so true. The time to train is when your puppy doesn’t react to anything at all. Alas…they do not reward their dog when they do not react, n when they do, they try to stop their dogs from reacting usually with aversive techniques. Dunbar Academy

Turn — is a very important cue that we teach to the dogs. It’s used before the dog has a full reaction towards another dog.

This really does have the ability to help reactive dogs 💥✅
I know it may look a little confusing which is why we made a video that shows EXACTLY what to do and when.
Those that know about movement words and u turns...know just how powerful these two small steps can really be when helping a reactive dog.
The link to the video is in the comments. 🙂

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited. Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use. Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

The first time I saw someone do this I was shocked.
I thought it was a one off, clearly it isn't and social media "influencers" have started to spout this as a "solution".
When I first saw this a few years ago, I could see the skin under the belly twisting and stretching while a lead was tightly pulled up from above.
There was bruising and this dog was certainly in pain.
All because someone wanted a quick way to teach a dog to walk beside them.
Companies even sell carabiners that encourage using this method.
What people may not realise is this can kill a dog.
The belly is not well protected...at all.
The intestines are right there and there are no bones in that area to protect those precious and vital organs.
That constant pressure and squeezing can and DOES cause serious abdominal issues.
PLEASE don't be tempted to follow this trend if you have seen it on social media.

Oh boy this can be tricky❗
Very subtle and easily misread. 💥
Yes, dogs can absolutely consent (or not) to play.
Many people think a sign that their dog doesn't want to meet or play with another dog is a growl (which of course there absolutely can be), however even before that growl there can be lots of other signals given that they do NOT want to meet.
These signs are often more subtle.
Scratching.
Sniffing.
Nibbling away at themselves or a stick on the ground, these can all be signs that they may not be comfortable with what is about to happen.
We need to pay close attention to this as these signals can be our dog saying.
"No thanks".
Unfortunately some of these signals can be subtle and easily misread by us, so we persist in letting dogs meet.
That is when our dogs need to use a much stronger signal such as growling, air snapping or worse.
It is important to note these signals as we need to respect just how our dogs are feeling.
They have every right to consent to meeting or playing, or not.
If these signals are shown, they may just need more time or careful exposure to this potential new friend.
They can certainly warm up to them.
Imagine how many incidents could be stopped if we just took the time to see exactly what they are trying to say to us and the other dog.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited. Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use. Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

The majority of dog bites (77%) happen with known dogs. This is an intimidating statistic when realizing that most dog bites are often preventable!
As a veterinary behavior clinic, we will emphasize time and time again that education is KEY for everyone with a pet at home. We love our animals and children, so let's be proactive to keep them safe and happy.🐶👶🧒

Here are three essential tips to start:
1. Management is your friend- if there is not an adult in the room ACTIVELY paying attention, your kids and pets should be separated by a physical barrier, like a gate or a playpen
2. Learning dog body language is only one piece, start teaching your children how to read them as well!
3. Teach your children and dogs essential skills like:
-children should be taught how to pet and interact gently, at times when your dog is showing you they want to interact (this also means teaching them not to climb on or grab at dogs)
-teach your children how to tell when a dog is not interested, and teach them what times dogs should be left alone entirely (like when resting or eating)
-teach your dog how to relax on a mat or in their kennel in different situations - dogs laying and relaxing are less likely to be underfoot and this can help show dogs they have a safe space to move away

Child and dog safety: https://www.thefamilydog.com/stop-the-77

Be a tree: https://www.trailblazingtails.com/pages/be-a-tree-training

Board game for kids and adults on dog body language: https://doggonecrazy.ca/doggone-crazy-boardgame/

Choose — LIMA positive training approach

New workgroup by AVS & SPCA to educate public on dog training & review use of devices like shock collars The workgroup also aims to increase adoption of minimally aversive training approaches.

It is hard...no doubt about it.
Having a new puppy is challenging. Also rewarding 🥳🍾😀.
We have just uploaded a new video to YouTube that covers all the tips and tricks we KNOW work, details in comments.
There will be good days, there will be bad days.
Puppy toileting issues are just as common as feeling the puppy blues and often they go together. It can be incredibly frustrating for everyone, including your puppy.

Hang in there new puppy guardians ! 🙂

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Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright. Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for Graphics