How To Socialize Your New Puppy

How To Socialize Your New Puppy

Have you ever visited a friend who owned a dog that was overly friendly or aggressive with you? In most cases, those are signs that a pooch has not been socialized properly. Canines are naturally territorial and their disposition toward others (humans and animals) can be surprisingly hostile. On the other hand, many breeds are especially affable – often to the point of becoming irksome.

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In this article, we’ll discuss how socialization can transform your puppy into a well-adjusted dog. I’ll explain why starting earlier is important. I’ll also describe how you can improve his tolerance of others by giving him more exposure to a variety of different people.

Begin Socialization Early

The first two to four months of a puppy’s life are spent getting to know his environment. As his mother weans him from nursing, he’s also learning how to get along with his brothers and sisters. This is a critical time for you to start developing his ability to socialize well with other people and dogs. The earlier you begin, the more comfortable you’ll help him grow with his surroundings.

Just like children, puppies learn and absorb new information quickly when they’re young. An older dog can be socialized, but it’s much more difficult, requires more time, and ongoing disciplinary reminders are usually necessary.

Start by taking him for short walks in your neighborhood (after he has received the appropriate vaccinations). Give him limited exposure to your neighbors and other dogs. If he “plays nice,” provide a treat as positive reinforcement for his behavior.

Increase Him Exposure

The larger variety of people and animals to which your puppy is exposed, the less anxious he’ll be around them when he becomes an adult. For example, if he only has exposure to adult men, he may be startled when confronted with a little girl. Confusion in canines often manifests as aggression as they revert to their territorial tendencies.

If possible, provide your puppy with opportunities to meet people from both genders as well as multiple ages and ethnicities. The more varied the people he meets, the better socialized he’ll be with everyone down the road.

Enroll Him In Group Obedience Classes

Professional obedience classes are an ideal way to introduce puppies to other dogs (and their owners) in a controlled, positive environment. The trainer can encourage the puppies to interact with each other, giving them an opportunity to improve their socialization skills. As a result, your puppy learns that the presence of other dogs doesn’t represent a risk or danger. As he grows older, that lesson will stay with him.

One of the most common reasons owners abandon their pooches to animal shelters is behavioral issues. Often, owners haven’t provided the opportunity for their canine companions to learn how to properly socialize with others. Start early with your puppy. When he finally reaches adulthood, he’ll be more pleasant to have nearby, for you and others.

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My dog can fly

My dog can fly, a cool Doggie picture uploaded by: J. Star

My dog can fly

The boy, the dog and I went to Lake Michigan yesterday, planning to stay until tonight. The forecast called for clear skies and eighty degrees for today…last night at about midnight the storms started. By morning, the thunder was deafening, the tent was afloat in three inches of water, and hail was pounding down everywhere. Needless to say, we packed it in early and headed home.

We did have fun on the beach for about two hours yesterday. Steve seems to think it was worth the drive. You can tell by the sand being joyously flung everywhere, and by the huge gob of it he left stuck to my polarizer.

I have feelings, too

I have feelings, too, a cool Doggie picture uploaded by: *christopher*

Pretty cute, huh? He’s hanging around outside cafe trieste in san francisco…looking for someone to love him… and waiting for his owner to buy hims some Bully Sticks Dog Treats