Find Your Pet's Perfect Match at Brandywine Labradors

Researchers have found that about 35% of a puppy's personality traits , such as shyness and dominance are inherited.  The other 65% of the adult personality are thought to be shaped by the breeder and the owner through early socialization. Although we utilize many methods for puppy socialization at Brandywine, a couple specific methods we utilize are the "Rule of 7" and Puppy Culture practices. 

Puppy Culture -  Puppy Culture is a socialization and training program specifically developed for puppies, from birth through the end of their critical socialization period.

It includes age appropriate experiences at the appropriate time. It  is a “positive,” reinforcement-based program. 

Rule of 7 - By the time a puppy is 7 weeks old, they should have

• Been on 7 types of surfaces, carpet, tile, concrete, grass, gravel, etc.
• Played with 7 different objects, balls, soft fabric toys, squeaky toys, sticks, etc.
• Been in 7 different locations, front yard, back yard, house, kennel, garage, vet, etc.
• Met and played with 7 different people, adults, vet office, etc.
• Been exposed to 7 challenges, climb on box, climb steps, in and out of door, etc.
• Eaten from 7 different containers, metal, plastic, different shapes, etc.
• Been exposed to multiple adults dogs, dam, sire, other labs, our blue healer, etc.

The following information includes some of the training exercises your puppy will have received.  It is important to remember that additional training will be needed. Consistency,  patience and positive reinforcement are key to this training.  As always we defer to your vet for any medically related issues.  A few resources have been linked below. 

Potty Training - Your puppy will be trained on how to use a doggy door.  They will also be started on indoor potty training (being taken to a door to go outside to go potty).  Although this training will be started, it will be important that you continue this training.

Helpful tips

 · Take puppy outside. Puppy goes potty and then give praise. Then bring them back in and play for ½ hour to 45 minutes. Then you can crate for ½ hour to 45 minutes. Then go back outside and repeat. 

· Take your puppy out potty, first thing in the morning and at least every 2 hours. Watch for sniffing or making circles. Also, shortly after eating or drinking.

AKC - Potty Training Tips

Crate Training - Your puppy will have been started on crate training.  This will include introduction of the crate and  multiple crate training exercises.  The AKC links below are helpful for additional information. 

AKC - How to crate train your puppy in 9 steps   

AKC - How to crate train your puppy with expert tips

Riding in the Car - Your puppy will have been on at least 2 car rides before coming to your home. 

AKC - Teaching your dog to enjoy car rides