self discovery and learning in puppies

The first 3 months if a puppy's life is the most important, this is known as the self discovery learning stage. This is the time when dogs chew things the most. Commonly they will chew on their owner's shoes as that holds the scent of their owner. This is a destructive behavior with a purpose. The young puppies are trying to memorize the physical characteristics including scent. Other skill building activities include playing with a rolling ball to not only practice dexterity but also general balance.

Puppies play with each other to develop problem solving skills, balance and communication.

4 to 5 months is a good time to start training with a professional trainer so that behavior becomes a trait. The older the dog gets, the brain actually shrinks which means memory is limited. Long term memory is still present. This is why it is harder to teach an older dog new tricks. This is the perfect age in which more discipline than play is the focus.

The memory capacity of a dog is equivalent to that of a human 2 year old.