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 ancestors were, indeed, predators, but they weren’t invincible. Especially when separated from their packs, they were vulnerable in unfamiliar situations that included unknown creatures and landscapes. This fear was necessary for survival, and lives on in modern dogs.
In many cases, fear of strange situations can morph into bigger problems: like life altering, fearful aggression. Many dogs who growl, bark, and bite do so because they are fearful, and deem strange places, people, and situations worthy of defense.
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.
When you picture your life with your grown dog, do you anticipate enjoying the wide world with him? Then, by all means, get out there with your puppy and introduce him to that wide world:
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 in the forest, and allow her to watch and listen to wildlife.
Frequent the dog park or dog obedience training schools, where social opportunities with other dogs abound.
Walk in a town or city, so he can develop a tolerance for car horns, motorcycles, trucks, bikes, other dogs, and crowds of people.
Visit the vet, the groomer, the pet retailer, and the kennel so that your puppy can familiarize herself with the smells, sounds, and sights of these places.
Know where, in your town, welcome mats are put out for dogs. Often, banks, pet stores, and hardware stores will welcome your puppy. Give your puppy plenty of time to meet and greet, and get treats from, the proprietors and patrons of these establishments.
Use clicker training to reward her most confident behavior, despite sharp noises, quick children, and unfamiliar dogs.
If a loud noise startles her, or if a stranger’s hand causes her to back away, do not comfort and pet her. She will view this as reinforcement for her fear. Instead, ignore her behavior and reward her when she’s displaying confidence in the face of a scary situation.
Don’t force a puppy to take part in a scenario that is causing fear. Instead, talk to the stranger, or stand tall in the face of a noisy motor, and she will take a cue from you. When she finally does relax and join in, click and offer a reward.
Often, dog owners aren’t able to find the time or the physical energy to get their puppies out into the world. In these cases, it’s important that these dog owners invite visitors to their homes to meet their puppies, and that they hire a dog walker or top dog trainer to escort the puppy on jaunts around the great wide world. If these measures aren’t taken, the puppy will grow to be a reclusive dog who is fearful of visitors, vet visits, etc.
Every walk, every ride, and every introduction puts your puppy in a better place. Each experience will contribute to her ultimately friendly, confident, and calm adult demeanor.
You know how it feels to start a new job or to walk into a room filled with strangers. Your dog feels the same fear, but could react with aggression. Expose your puppy to the world, and he will view it as a kind, welcoming place; and that’s priceless in your quest for the perfect dog human relationship, as well as dog obedience training triumph.
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