Puppy Training And Socializing: Two Keys To Good Dog Training
A reputable dog obedience training program, created by a top dog trainer, not only uses gentle and humane dog training tips, but it stresses the importance of puppy socialization. Wolves live in family units, for hunting success and safety. Your dog, a descendent of the wolf, seeks that same sense of safety and familiarity.
Your dog’s nature marks him as a predator, but he has rarely had the opportunity to rest comfortably at the top of the food chain. Historically, he’s had to fear strange creatures and unknown situations, for his own survival and the survival of his species.
Like wolves, today’s dogs’ fears can be exhibited as aggression. When a dog is fearful, she might growl, bark, or bite; and will be tagged as a dangerous dog. Often, this is a result of poor socialization.
For these reasons, not excluding the safety of your family, neighbors, other dogs, and your own dog, it’s important to start socializing your puppy as early as possible.
Starting at the age of eight weeks, and through her sixteenth week, your puppy is the most impressionable. A conscientious dog owner will grasp this brief chance to introduce the world to his or her puppy, to prove that the world is an exciting place, worthy of confident exploration.
Think about the things that you anticipate doing with your adult dog, and expose your puppy to those experiences. Here are some ideas for socializing your puppy:
It’s never difficult to find children who are willing to mingle with your puppy. Encourage this, so that your puppy can become accustomed to the quick hands and feet of children.
Take your puppy for rides in the car.
Walk her on nature trails, where she’ll see squirrels, birds, etc.
Take pup to the dog park or to dog obedience training schools, where she can interact with other dogs.
Frequent city sidewalks. Give your puppy the chance to develop a tolerance for loud engines, horns, cyclists, pedestrians, and other walking dogs.
Drop in at the veterinarian office, groomer, pet store, and kennel, even if it’s simply to visit, and encourage the staff to interact with your puppy.
Many retailers, pet supply stores, and banks welcome pets. Don’t miss this opportunity to introduce your puppy to new people. Allow those people to offer her treats, to build trust.
You’ll already be embroiled in training puppy, so if she remains calm despite a loud noise, or sits nicely to be petted by a child, use the clicker, a treat, and targeted words to reinforce that desirable behavior.
In a situation that elicits puppy fear, with noises, strange smells, or unfamiliar sights, do not reward her fear by comforting her. This sends the message that her fearful behavior is desirable, and should be repeated in the future. Only reward her when she’s showing the confidence that’s desirable in these situations.
Never force your puppy into a scary situation. If she’s afraid of a person, allow her to stay back while you interact with that person. Show the puppy that there’s nothing to fear, and she’ll probably approach on her own. When she sits nicely for a pet, click and reward.
If you aren’t physically able to socialize your puppy, invite people with children and pets to your home, or hire a dog walker or a dog trainer to take your puppy out on the town. A dog who grows up isolated from the world might not welcome a postman or a delivery person with open paws.
Every time you take your puppy for a ride, or a walk, or meander through a crowd of people with her, she’s gaining the confidence that’s necessary to be a calm, friendly adult dog.
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of strangers, you know how unnerving it can be. This mirrors your dog’s emotions. But you can change that, with puppy socialization. Dog obedience training victory, and a first class dog human relationship, rely on it.
Want to find out more about puppy training, then visit the Fast and Easy Dog Training site on how to choose the best dog trainingmethod for your needs.
Tags: dog training, puppy training
dog training | Dr. Nortey Omaboe | 23 July 2010 |
