First in a helpful new pet series sponsored by Invisible dice of Birmingham. life. This *.t119best time to start fun, short training Puppies, like children, go through important and sessionS.**'and rules learned now will stick with rest of his life. predictable stages of development. Here's a short the pup for piece on puppies which we hope will serve as a 12 to 16 guide to acquiring, training and socializing your pup- Socializcralize, socialize. Whenever possi- py. ble, take your puppy with you on errands, to friends' Puppies: Ages and Stages...Your mini puppy guide .; 4yG 9w Y3 Under 6 1/2 Weeks - Young puppies need to be with their litter mates. This is a socially critical time for pups. If separated before six weeks, behavorial problems such as ag- gression and/or fearfulness toward other dogs can develop. Do not adopt or purchase a puppy this young, no matter how cute. If you already have a . pup like this find a good local trainer or behavjqif!' to help you immediately. Even if you do not see a0 problem at the moment, early training can help pre- vent problems from developing later. 6 1/2 to 12 Weeks - This is the best time to introduce your pup into your home. While some studies have determined that the 49th day is the "ideal" time to bring your pup home, we have found need for flexibility in this. Some breeds, es- pecially the giant ones, mature a bit slower men- tgared for by the ex- tally. Tiny, toy puppies aro d a few extra weeks. perienced hawitd Mei r br of the eighth week With the possible when many pu0S'experience a "fear period," any- time during this span is fine for bringing your pup home if the breeder is keeping up with handling, so- training and housebreaking. If the cializatit breedetifillpt or will not do these things, then get your pd' fricaween six-and-a-half arid eight weeks. 17,he single most important thing you can teach your pup early in life is to learn how to learn. Learn- ing about you, your lifestyle and expectations begins the moment you pick up the pup. A pup who comes out of this stage understanding that his behaviors, linked to human words earn him praise, play and treats will be much easier to train for the rest of his 145:: and on family outings. Of course, check with for recommendations about when it Is safe for your pup to go out. It is 100% critical that •ur pup be exposed, carefully, to the world period. He is forming his lifetime opin- ie universe during this period. If his world ion> is limited to your kitchen and back yard, he is like- y to be overwhelmed when he meets the rest of the planet. F 16 Weeks to 6 Months g! Your pup will want to chew on every- thi o to training and supplying plenty of chew toys will help prevent prob- lems. Wet and freeze a knotted cloth or sock for a cooling treat. Toward the end of this period adoles- cence begins...and that is a subject for its own article! Every minute you spend educating your pup is an investment in the quality of life for your dog. This is the best and most trying time of your puppy's life. En- joying it is largely a matter of information and at- tention. Good luck and have fun! For detailed information on prevention and correction of bad habits, house- breaking, obedience commands and manners, as well as puppy games which work for you, not against you, see our book, "Good Owners, Great Dogs" Brian Kilcommons is one of the country's foremost dog trainers and the author of several widely ac- claimed books on dog behavior and training. He is a consultant to Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and the official trainer for the PBS series "The Gentle Doctor: Veterinary Medicine." Brian is also the exclusive training consultant for Invisible Fence. The Original Electronic Pet Containment System • 17 Years Experience • Over 1/2 Million Pets Contained • Indoor & Outdoor Systems • Professional Installation, Training & Service LIFETIME WARRANTY ONE-YEAR MONEY-BACK PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE 01 41 n _ • A . . . Call Today for your FREE, No-Obligation Estimate! CO 0) O C TO B ER She said that the interactive nature of the Hebrew soft- ware in particular presents vocabulary, vowels and other relatively difficult subjects in a way in which the children can grasp imme- diately. The key to the success of the computer-aided program is teacher guidance through- out the entire process. The computers and software, in turn, advance the teaching process. Jeffrey Zeman, 10, and 11-year-old Sarah Hutton, both 4.404A from West Bloom- field, agreed that the computers brought substantive advantages not available in the classroom. Using the computer, Jeffrey advances the educational wrote a poem about the Exo- process by providing en- dus for a Jewish history pro- hanced opportunities for ject, then illustrated it with learning that were previously pictures from the software unavailable. packages loaded on the sys- Ms. Saar, a Hebrew teacher, tem. likes the way the software al- He also has used the com- lows each student to work at puter to learn Hebrew vocabu- his own pace in developing lary. He especially liked the vocabulary and reading and immediate feedback and the writing skills. Moreover, the ability to work at his own whiz-bang nature of comput- pace. ers, so attractive to children, Sarah also has used the Ho- helps foster a better attitude dari Center for both Jewish than is usually found in the history and Hebrew vocabu- classroom. lary projects, and she thought Ms. Hirsch teaches 4- and the immediacy of the feed- 5-year-olds in the nursery back was helpful. school, as well as 9-year-olds In subsequent columns I in the fourth grade of the tem- will explore how other institu- ple Hebrew school. Special- tions in our community are needs students are integrated using technology to enhance into both of her classrooms Jewish learning. I welcome and they particularly benefit your thoughts and sugges- from using the computer sys- tions. EI tems. caust studies to a group of sev- enth graders, the center re- cently showed a dramatic presentation, focusing on the power of charismatic leaders to influence people. The shape of the room and the position of the video moni- tors, Ms. Perlman said, really drove home the message of the presentation. Itzi Saar and Gayle Hirsch, both teachers at Temple Is- rael, agree that the technolo- gy used at the Hodari Center 31645 Southfield Rd. • BIRMINGHAM (810) 646-WOOF (9663) INVISIBLEr. ROCHESTER AREA: Call (810) 969-2600 9 13