Practical Tips to Train a Sociable Dog
As mans best friend, we want our dearly loved bitch to be well mannered in the varied social situations it finds itself. This education should begin while the mutt is young. We want the dog not to be scared or aggressive 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 three months it is still important, but takes more time and planning and effort. This is also the experience of professional dog sitters who are frequently asked for help.
Puppies are so similar to us humans, if the original time is painful, we will steer clear of it or be worried in the future, so take things slowly and small. Do not force the puppy. If in doubt, stop and do it again later. Yound pups rapidly tire and need their sleep, so short and often is a rule to follow.
So what approach should I take?
• Invite friends and family, petit, large, different looking, different sexes. Be cautious and fully monitor experiences with other children.
• Introduce him to a collar and then a leash. For short periods just leave the collar on him, later attach the leash and let him wander around with it, then you can take him for a walk around the house. Carefully choose a lightweight buckle collar with a puppy.
• Visit your friends and families in their houses.
• Try and meet different mutts, especially other friendly, healthy and vaccinated hounds. Be careful until the puppy is fully vaccinated, meeting dogs that you do not know.
• If you know people with puppy friendly cats, see if you can visit?
• Meet other animals, do you have a local farm near you? Difficult in cities, but if you go away for holidays.
• Driving is key. So take fido out for as many convenient short drives in the car. Stop and let doggie observe the world pass by, in the security of the car. This helps with him getting used to noisy. Initiate him to others such as drills.
• Lug or walk him to spots where there is local bustle such as shops and parks. Find a café or coffee house where you can sit outside with your fido and observe the world. Tons of people will come and say hi to him.
• Introduce him to activities in the house, paying attention to safety, house work, preparing food and TV.
• Puppy grooming, a great time for you and him, develop the routine of brushing, bathing and inspection.
• Careful with training the pup on stairs, if you are a typical city apartment owner, this may be more difficult.
Dog socialisation, start today and have a superb sociable pooch.
