Key Dog Training Factors: Socialization And Puppy Training
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 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.
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.
Early in a puppy's life, namely during months two and three, he's literally absorbing his world; learning, exploring, and building his confidence. This is your chance to show him how exciting and nontoxic the world can be.
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.
Take your puppy for rides in the car.
Walk her on nature trails, where she'll see squirrels, birds, etc.
Introduce her to other dogs. Dog parks and dog obedience training schools are terrific ways to accomplish this.
Take a walk down a busy street's sidewalk, so that your puppy can become accustomed to the sounds and sights of vehicles, horns, bicycles, joggers, 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.
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 the clicker puppy training tips you've learned to reinforce bravery. If she remains calms in spite of thunderous noise or stranger's hands, click and reward her confidence.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Early in a puppy's life, namely during months two and three, he's literally absorbing his world; learning, exploring, and building his confidence. This is your chance to show him how exciting and nontoxic the world can be.
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.
Take your puppy for rides in the car.
Walk her on nature trails, where she'll see squirrels, birds, etc.
Introduce her to other dogs. Dog parks and dog obedience training schools are terrific ways to accomplish this.
Take a walk down a busy street's sidewalk, so that your puppy can become accustomed to the sounds and sights of vehicles, horns, bicycles, joggers, 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.
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 the clicker puppy training tips you've learned to reinforce bravery. If she remains calms in spite of thunderous noise or stranger's hands, click and reward her confidence.
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.
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.
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.
About the Author:
Learn more about puppy training. Stop by the Fast and Easy Dog Training site where you can find out all about dog training and what it can do for you and your dog.
.jpg)
.jpg)
0 comments:
Post a Comment