This owner has her hands full with her new Lab, but she wisely plans to join a local retriever club and train the pup herself.

In keeping with our theme for this issue--new puppies and younger dogs--it's time to share some ideas and reasoning about the first few months' objectives and what we can do to prepare our pup for the days ahead.

Early "training" requires us to maintain a very positive guiding, directing and encouraging attitude. We combine the positive time--exercise and socialization--we spend with our youngster with the things and places he will work in and around as training progresses and later while hunting or trialing.

Along with socialization, fundamental training is critical. It's not uncommon to see folks having problems with older dogs simply because they have rushed through, or have taken shortcuts around, early developmental work. For example, beginning steadiness drills before their dogs are trained to heel or properly exposed to birds is a mistake in training progression.

Socialization
Behavioral studies indicate a key period of socialization for puppies to humans is six to eight weeks. This is when the mother normally weans the puppies and they become more independent. The pup's nervous system reaches the structural and functional capacities of an adult by this time, so he's ready to learn and intensive socialization should begin.

Most agree that somewhere between six and eight weeks is the ideal time to place puppies in new homes for further socialization to humans as well as to begin housebreaking and other training. So plan to bring your pup home at around seven weeks old. The precise day is not critical, but what you do from then on is.

Happy experiences during the puppy's first few days in his new home will have a lasting and positive effect as he develops. Give your pup lots of attention and affection and begin using his name--be consistent and you'll soon see a response. Let pup explore while you supervise from a distance.

If he damages something or has an accident, you can only punish or speak harshly when he's caught in the act. The only thing a puppy learns from untimely punishment is fear of you and confusion.

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Now is also a good time to introduce very basic commands like "no" and "kennel."

Gradually introduce pup to new people, beginning with a few at a time who know your objective is to build pup's confidence. Puppies who are gently handled by different people usually develop friendly and trusting attitudes toward people in general.

Continue to expand the pup's environment by going for walks in the neighborhood. Along the way meet new people and other dogs, along with lots of new sights and sounds. These walks on lead are not only good for social behavior; they're great exercise.

Putting your puppy in situations where he can't lose helps build confidence and minimizes future behavior problems. If you see your pup acting concerned about loud noise or storms, divert his attention to something fun and exciting. If the pup senses you're not in the least bit worried he will soon share that attitude and pay no attention to the noise. On the other hand, your showing concern will only reinforce the pup's concern.