I meet a lot of puppies in my puppy classes even though it’s been more than 10 years since I raised a puppy of my own. We know even more now about puppy development – and have many more resources available. But the key principles I relied on when raising Onchu are still valid today.

Socialization is critical. But it is not “socialization” unless it is a good experience. In addition, exposure to those good experiences must be maintained.

Puppies develop preferences:  for places to relieve themselves; for things they like to chew. You need to start them on the right path from the beginning.

Puppies are learning sponges. They are learning something every minute whether you are intentionally “teaching” them or not.

Puppies go through development stages. There is more than one “fear” or defensive period.

Some of my favorite puppy resources to recommend these days are the book Social Civil and Savvy by Laura VanArendonk Baugh and Jane Killion’s website Puppy Culture