A top dog trainer might cite your dog's ancestral behavior when he explains the need for puppy socialization. Dog obedience training cannot be ultimately successful unless your puppy is exposed to many different situations, because her nature has taught her to be fearful of the unknown. This is one of the reasons that wolves live in packs.
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.
This instinct has carried over to modern times, in our dogs' fears of strangers and unfamiliar venues. Often, because dogs aren't comfortable in those unfamiliar situations, their fears can manifest as aggression.
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.
From her eighth to her sixteenth week, she's like a sponge, absorbing the world around her. During this time, you'll have the unique and fleeting opportunity to show her that the world is a fun place.
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:
Expose your puppy to children, so that she can learn to view their quick movements and shrill voices as nonthreatening.
Make your puppy a regular passenger in your car.
Stroll through nature, so your puppy can experience the sights and sounds of chipmunks, 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.
Stop in at the groomer's, the kennel, the vet clinic, and the pet shop for visits. Allow your puppy the opportunity to introduce herself to the staff at each venue.
Find those places, like banks, home improvement stores, and pet retailers that welcome pets, and patronize them with your puppy in tow. Take advantage of the dog treats that are offered to shape your puppy's positive view of these places.
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.
If your puppy shows fear of a stranger, or another dog, never push him into that situation. Allow him to stay back, while you display your own confidence. Soon, he will take a cue from you, and will approach. When he does so, calmly and fearlessly, you can 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.
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.
This instinct has carried over to modern times, in our dogs' fears of strangers and unfamiliar venues. Often, because dogs aren't comfortable in those unfamiliar situations, their fears can manifest as aggression.
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.
From her eighth to her sixteenth week, she's like a sponge, absorbing the world around her. During this time, you'll have the unique and fleeting opportunity to show her that the world is a fun place.
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:
Expose your puppy to children, so that she can learn to view their quick movements and shrill voices as nonthreatening.
Make your puppy a regular passenger in your car.
Stroll through nature, so your puppy can experience the sights and sounds of chipmunks, 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.
Stop in at the groomer's, the kennel, the vet clinic, and the pet shop for visits. Allow your puppy the opportunity to introduce herself to the staff at each venue.
Find those places, like banks, home improvement stores, and pet retailers that welcome pets, and patronize them with your puppy in tow. Take advantage of the dog treats that are offered to shape your puppy's positive view of these places.
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.
If your puppy shows fear of a stranger, or another dog, never push him into that situation. Allow him to stay back, while you display your own confidence. Soon, he will take a cue from you, and will approach. When he does so, calmly and fearlessly, you can 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.
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