8 weeks - 4 months
 
 
 

photo by Ann Kim

a.        Socialization
 

Proper socialization is crucial to owning a well-adjusted adult.  Experiences during this age leave a strong impression on a dog, more so than at any other age.  Individual puppy temperament will vary and so what merely startles one puppy will sometimes terrorize another puppy for life.

People will sometimes utilize "puppy kindergarten" in order socialize their puppies.   This can be either a good or bad thing.  It depends greatly on how the puppy kindergarten is run.  For instance, letting a young puppy be bullied by older unknown puppies during "freetime" can cause a lasting fear of other dogs.  This can cause the puppy to react defensively and then pro-actively with dog aggression.  The puppy would have learned that the owner, the supposed alpha of the pack, can't protect him/her from threats.

However, letting the young puppy learn to be comfortable and confident around strange dogs will lead to the opposite effect.

b.        Positive Reinforcement
 

The timeframe of 8 weeks- 4 months is probably the most fun when it comes to raising a Jindo puppy.  They have a strong desire to interact with their owners and will willingly follow their owners around.

Easy tricks and commands can be taught at this age, but remember that despite a Jindo puppy's intelligence, they are still immature puppies.   They lack the long attention span of adults and so keep training simple and short.  Use treats to position the pups into a sit or down position.  Don't force the dog.  Reward with treats and praise.
 
 

photo by Peter Koktavy

c.        Set Rules
 

My suggestion for Jindo puppies is to set more stringent rules than what you will allow the dog as an adult.  For instance, even if you are comfortable with allowing dogs onto the furniture, don't let the puppy do it as of yet.

Even though you don't mind dogs jumping up in greeting, don't let the puppy do it.

If you enjoy having a dog sleep in your bed with you, don't allow the puppy to do so yet.

Free run of the house?  Not yet.  Sitting in the front seat of the car?  Not yet.
 

Wait until after you survive the next phase of the Jindo's development before granting these privileges.