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.
Dogs are predators, but that doesn’t mean that they’re at the top of the food chain, or that they don’t fear injury or death. Because of this, your dog’s instinct, unless proven otherwise, will be to remain suspicious of strange situations. It’s a matter of survival, really. This fear has contributed to the longevity of the 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.
Socialization is crucial, not only for your dog’s peace of mind, but for the safety of neighbors, other animals, children, yourself, and your dog.
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.
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 in the forest, and allow her to watch and listen to wildlife.
Take pup to the dog park or to dog obedience training schools, where she can interact with other dogs.
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 clicker training to reward her most confident behavior, despite sharp noises, quick children, and unfamiliar dogs.
If your puppy is frightened by a noise or a strange dog or human, ignore her fear. If you reassure her, she’ll mistake that reassurance for reward of her fearful behavior. Disregard this behavior, and save the rewards for the time when she sheds the fearful display.
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.
As part of training puppy, get your little guy out of the house. Every time he meets a new person, or sees a new landscape, he adds another bullet point to his resume, which will quickly build to showcase a confident, friendly, 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.
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.
