46 -— Sunday, October 3, 1999 — North Shore News The seve STUDENTS often com- ment about my German shorthair pointer Harley’s level of focus and attention. “Ir’s great the way he stares at you waiting for you to do something,” they say. T flashback to the wee hours of the morning when | would be woken by an odd sensation. Peering through sleepy eyes I'd see Harley hov- cring over me, staring at me with a tennis ball in his mouth. As soon as he saw any sign of life he would drop the bali on my head chen dash otf the bed and wait for me to participare in his game of 4 a.m. fetch. “Yea,” I chuckle co myself, “Great.” I really can’t complain about his focus, since techni- cally I created it. Ins a dog's life there are critical stages of learning and maturizy which take place. Whar happens during these stages directly relates to a dog's adult personality and behaviour. ; There are also genetic fac- tors invoived, but ?’m not going to calk about that today. ¢ first stage begins at birth and lasts untii the sev- enth week. During this stage social behaviour with interac- tions between its mother and litter mates are learned. Bite inhibition, submissive-domi- nance behaviour, attention- soliciting, behaviour and the proper greeting protocols are taught. The second stage is aS ARNESON SEEING, = SF ea canine counection berveen the age of seven and eight weeks of age. Puppies are beginning to be mentally mature enough to adjust to change and form bonds. This is the age when a puppy can go to its new home. The third stage, between eight and 12 weeks, is the most impressionable stage ina pup’s life. I refer to it as the imprinting stage, others call it the socialization or the fear stage. Everything a pup expe- Tiences during this period will set the stage for sit. The pup should experience everything that life has to offer but in a manner where the pup learns confide ce, not fear or aggres- sion. Aliowing the pup to phy with other dogs and to be tousled about by adult dogs should be supervised. Ifa pup is exposed to loud noises, dogs, or children and reacts fearfully, the pup will hang on to that expenence into adult- hood. All experiences should be controlled and positive. Coddling and soothing a pup during this stage can create an insecure dog... A pep which is allowed to get all of its fun arid physical play from other dogs will be a dog that would rather be with dogs than people. In Harley’s case, E allowed him to interact with a group of well-mannered dugs tor 2 short period of time. Afterwards Harley and I would play together by tossing a ball, Frisbee, stick or engag- ing in a game of chase. He was imprinting on me and that EL was alot more fun than the other dogs. Now as an adult, he is social and friendly with other dogs but gives me his attention. Ac the age of 12 to 16 weeks is when a pup ideally should begin positive obedi- ence training. The imprinting period is beginning to shut down so getting some basic manners in at this stage is a good thing. Waiting until a dog is six months of age to start training is not necessary, unless you choose to train with a choke collar — something | person- ally do not advocate at any age! Using a choke collar on immature bones and muscles can cause severe lasting neck injuries. At four to six months of age a dog enters a pre-adoles- cent stage. They become more confident and show increased independence by venturing away from your side. Curiosity is the main distraction. Take the pup everywhere and if obedience training hasn't begun ... do it now! From six to 12 months of age, a dog begins to act like a teenager. Testing behaviours such as ignoring commands, chewing, stealing objects and general disruption begin to EEE eae cM ad oS pa ANAT SURE CRO cha , Friday October 8 dealth This seecial section will cover a wide range of — TESS fopics fram Angels and Afirmatian to New Vigour with Viagra. Sore nnaeion yiang Meine nene emenia te nee pater, Sec LE ts VAG SCA surface. The dog looks like an adult but behaves like a brat. Providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation should begin to be a priority. Finally, from 12 to 18 months of age most dogs reach physical maturity. Personalities surface as domi- nant dogs begin to assert themselves and be troubic- some, while others may begii to settic. A daily routine o} mental and physical exercise as well as obedience training should be established to ensure your leadership role and the dog’s continued Human’s name: Megan Richter, 14 years old. Pet's name anu age: Marsi . and Oscar, Australian tying squirrels or sugar gliders, are three years old. The marsupials have gigtit - youngsters, including Melvin, Bote and Yoda who ave all one year old. Megan says it was fun to watch the babies while they were in Marsi’s pouch, poking little tails and feet out. Favourite activities: The squirrels tove to go outside and jump from the fig tree in the backyard. They also - like to jump off of furniture and land on Megan and her family members. Favourite treat: Most of the time, the squirrels eat fruit and crickets. On special - occasions, they especially like pine nuts. : Pat tate: The squirrels cer- tainly aren't camera-shy. One of thern surprised News photographer Paui McGrath by fiying right onto his shoulder. if you would like to apoear with your pet in. Pet Pause, * please write to Terry Peters c/o the North Shore News, 1139 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, 8.C., V7M 24. Or send e-mail lo . . understanding of that position, —- Joan ts the owner of ' Sierra K9 training on the _North Shore. For training advice e-mail her at ur con- ugh the North Shore "News. Letters to the ditor are welcomed.