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.
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.
For the safety of your dog, your neighbors, other dogs, and yourself, it’s imperative that your dog be exposed to a variety of situations during his puppy training.
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:
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.
Hop in the car for rides with your puppy.
Walk in the forest, and allow her to watch and listen to wildlife.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You know how it feels to walk into a party full of people you don’t know. It can be disconcerting, and can cause anxiety. Your dog experiences these same feelings in unfamiliar situations, so make it your mission to introduce your puppy to the world, early on. Your dog obedience training success, and your dog human relationship, will thank you.
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