Sep 03 2009
Practical Tips to Train a Sociable Puppy
As mans best friend, we want our loved pooch to be well mannered in the different social situations it finds itself. This teaching needs to commence while the fido is young. We want the mutt not to be anxious or belligerent towards individuals or other animals. Dog socialisation is a key part of dog care.
Studies at Veterinary Medicine College at Cornell showed that the first 3 months are crucial, and the easiest for socialisation. For many puppies this period is dealt with by the dog breeder. After that initial twelve weeks it is still significant, but takes more time and planning and effort. This is also the experience of professional dog sitters who are frequently asked for help.
Dogs are just like us, if the original time is painful, we will shun it or be nervous in the future, soone step at a time. Do not force the puppy. Take no risks. Yound pups rapidly tire and need to rest often, so short and often is a rule to follow.
So what approach should I take?
• Invite friends and family, small, large, varied looking, different sexes. Be prudent and vigilant with experiences with other children.
• Start him on a collar and then a leash. Just put the collar on, later attach the leash and let him walk around with it, then you can take him for a walk around the house. Only use a lightweight buckle collar with a puppy.
• Visit your acquaintances and families in their apartments.
• Try and meet diverse bitches, particularly other friendly, healthy and vaccinated hounds. Be careful until the puppy is fully vaccinated, meeting mutts that you do not know.
• If you know people with dog friendly cats, organise a visit?
• Meet other animals, do you have a local farm near you? Difficult in cities, but look for opportunities.
• Life in a car is key. So take pooch out for as many convenient short drives in the car. Park up and let pooch observe the world pass by, in the security of the car. This helps with him getting used to loud noises. Initiate him to other loud noises such as drills.
• Lug or walk him to places where there is local bustle such as shops and parks. Find a restaurant or seat where you can sit outside with him and observe the world. Tons of people will come and say hi to him.
• Keep him close to activities in the house, within the constraints of safety, house work, cooking and TV.
• Puppy grooming, a great time for you and him, develop the routine of brushing, bathing and inspection.
• Introduce the puppy to stairs carefully, if you are a typical city flat owner, this may be more difficult.
Dog socialisation, do not procrastinate and do something today and have a wonderful sociable dog.
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