Training your dog: Puppy Socialization and why its important
Training your dog: Puppy Socialization and why its important
I think it is safe to say that we have all witnessed a frustrated dog owner hanging on for dear life as their out of control dog jumps and pulls to get at a passing dog. We have also had to listen to the excuses for the bad behaviour. "My dog only barks at little dogs. I'm sorry I just don't know why he does that." There is a simple answer. The dog has never been properly socialized.
What should the dog owner have done? The first step is to make sure that the puppy has had all his/her shots. Second step is to look for a local doggy daycare or dog park in the area. These local venues are easily found by asking your vet or asking other dog owners in the in the area where they bring their canine.
When you put 10 different dogs in a room or park you will witness a lot of different reaction. You will see dominant dogs, fearful pups, barking dogs and of course dogs that just want to play.
What you are doing is introducing your dog, in a very controlled environment, to other dogs. These pups will meet on a weekly basis and learn that meeting other dogs is a positive experience. This process will begin to train your dog that it is ok to play with other dogs and prevent the defensive attitude that can develop without social interaction.
These two different venues will go a long way to socializing your dog. The most important outcome will be that your puppy will be a lot more relaxed when they meet other dogs. There will be no "defend my owner" aggressive behaviour.
Dogs are pack animals and need the social contact of other dogs to allow them to live long and healthy lives and hence http://www.mypuppyacademy.com>puppy training is most important. Owners that deprive their puppies and adult dogs of social contact with other puppies and dogs end up with those misbehaving dogs that are very embarrassing to walk. If the issue of socializing your dog is not dealt with at a very young age it can become a very vicious cycle.