Up until a few years ago, a puppy under 6 months of age was not supposed to have any set behavior pattern. He was more or less expected to learn a few rules (such as using his newspapers or going outside) and gradually develop his sociability, reaching his peak when about a year old. He was not of school age. A young pup's life was spent in playing, eating and just physically growing up.
The story is different today. We now know the learning and socialization process begins very early in the pup's life. Young puppies are ready to learn and adapt to their environment when they are from 19 to 20 days old. There are five critical stages in a puppy's life. And all of these stages occur before a pup is 4 months old.
The Five Critical Stages in A Puppy's Life
Stage one: The first stage is from birth to about 13 days. At birth, the puppy is practically helpless. He's blind, deaf, toothless and is restricted in motion (he can crawl or slither on his stomach, with his paws making swimming motions). He experiences very little in the way of learning. He's strictly a creature of reflexes. His total behavior pattern is built around reflexes dealing with food, elimination and bodily contact with his mother and litter mates.
Stage two: This stage extends from the 13th day to the 19th. It begins on the 13th day when the puppy opens his eyes (13 days is an average; some pups open their eyes earlier, some later). For the next 7 days, the puppy moves very quickly through sensory, motor and psychological changes. At the end of the 7 days, the pup can see, hear and walk. His milk teeth appear and he can eat solid food.
Stage three: The third stage begins on the 19th or 20th day after birth and continues until the puppy is 7 to 10 weeks old. It is a crucial stage in the puppy's development, one that sets the pattern for future behavior. And it is the stage when socialization begins and the pup forms a relationship with human beings and other animals.
The third stage is ushered in by the pup's startled reaction to sounds. In stages one and two, the young puppies ignore sounds. But the puppy in stage three will really jump if you make a loud noise. He will also show an investigative curiosity about people and animals, and will tussle and scrap playfully with his litter mates. During this stage, the puppy's nervous system is still immature.
In general, what happens to a pup during the third stage of his life will determine his future behavior.
Stage four: Stage four begins when the puppy is from 7 to 10 weeks of age. This is the usual age at which puppies are weaned from their mothers. The pup is not completely independent, but he now has some increased motor skills and his nervous system is similar to that of an adult dog.
The 7- to 10-week age group is ideal for raising a puppy. It is the best age at which to establish a sound relationship between dogs and people. If the puppy has had a happy third stage, he's eager to form an attachment. And what's more, he's ready to learn.
Stage five: The fifth and final critical stage starts at about 12 weeks of age and lasts until the pup is 4 months old. Now the puppy starts to assert himself. He'll be bold, perky; testing you in all kinds of situations. It is time to teach him discipline.
An understanding of your dog's instincts and behavior is a must for intelligent dog ownership. It's true that dogs just grew up in the "old days". But don't compare the "old days" with today. Know your dog and know him well. He's an extraordinary animal!
Teaching And Learning Process
Let us touch on the issue of our basic educational institutions, the schools, where we learn about the facts of life.
What are the subjects covered in school?
Language, mathematics, science, history, social studies, religion, among others are all important for us to study to blend ourselves well with society.
Even in the collegiate level, depending on what course one chooses to take, lessons are concentrated on the theories, principles and/or basics which are hardly in consonance with the real world.
How do we learn new things?
Reading websites, attending seminars, and talking to people more knowledgeable on the subject are some of the ways. We also learn by making mistakes, like babies learning to walk.
It is like roller skating where we get bruises every time we fall. The message is: “Don't let mistakes stop you from learning. Learn from those mistakes and let them encourage you to learn more.”
Always bear in mind that education in school is only the fundamental foundation of general knowledge. Outside school , we must gather as much skills as possible especially those pertaining to creating wealth.
I firmly believe that one's choice of endeavor must be anchored on love. Because when you love what you do, you will enjoy and take good care of it, not to mention the benefits it will bring to your health. With this in mind and in heart, you are following the dream of your life and you can use this principle in the choice of your business to gain wealth.
Loving is one thing. Knowing is another. Know your business. Know how to go about it. It is imperative that you acquire financial knowledge to gain wealth.
Today, information is wealth. Get to know what is going on around you. You will find opportunities to get rich from information that is current.
Time can be of the essence depending on the subject of the business. Knowledge on the business is vital; that is why learning is a non-stop process. You need not necessarily be familiar with a particular business, but you must learn to know the business before you get involved in it.
People who have actual experiences on a subject are the ones you can talk to in gathering information. Do not listen to hearsay or to those who neither know nor have any experience on the subject. Knowing is an asset; not knowing is a liability. That is why, information is wealth.
Exchange information regarding financial matters with your colleagues as frequently as possible. This is one way to acquire updated news.
On topics that are not clear or familiar to you, ask questions (rather than pretend you know when you don't) and be generous to share what you know when asked. Opportunities are sometimes born spontaneously in discussions that are beneficial to either or both parties.
The risk factor is always there even if you know the business. This is inherent in every type of business. But risk can be managed and kept to a minimum if you have the proper knowledge.
Gathering information may be time consuming but time well spent. Sometimes, it takes more time to gather information than the business itself. Keep in mind though that timing (when to act) could be important in the business you are interested in.
How much you know is different from how fast you know. Remember the old saying: “The early bird catches the worm?”
The first or earliest to know gets the opportunity. If you know of an opportunity that is not yet in the news, it's good news. Stay focused. Keep a clear and keen mind. Just like the advice of a weather station: “Know before you go.” The same thing is true in business: “Know before you go (into action).”
When in business, you must learn to manage the flow of money, your people, and your system. Get to know where the money you invest should be at any particular time so that you don't get cash strapped in the middle of your transactions. Make sure your money flows smoothly to where it should be. Learn to manage your people. They work for you, so take good care of them and they will take good care of your business.
Systematize your work flow. This will cut wasted time, energy, and money as well. What you save is additional profit.
Keep in mind to leave some time for your out-of-business activities too, like family and social affairs. Like giving credit to where credit is due, give time to where time is due. Think of ways to do more in less time. This will increase your profit margin making you more competitive.
Most people find difficulty in marketing or selling products and / or services. It takes time and patience for your prospective clients to get acquainted with what you're offering. Their most likely first reaction is to reject it. This is normal. With the right people negotiating and handling the marketing aspects of your business, you can surmount this difficulty and eventually come up with positive results.
Communication skill is very important. It is your eyes, ears, and mouth rolled into one. It is a friendly spy to keep you updated and more knowledgeable. Without it, you'll be groping in the dark.
Both Jimmy Cox & Rene Graeber are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jimmy Cox has sinced written about articles on various topics from Web Development, Horse Racing and Investments. Become A Dog Whisperer And Put an End to the Annoyance of Your Dog's Behavior Problems!Click here for FREE online ebook!
10 Simple School Hacks The only words of wisdom they can offer you at that point are At least you will have lots of people to help you wash the dishes.