Sociable Puppy Tips

Posted by Puppy Trainer on September 12th, 2009 filed in Dogs

As mans best friend, we want our much-loved puppy to be well mannered in the varied social situations he finds himself. This teaching needs to commence whilst the dog is young. We want the hound  not to be alarmed or aggressive towards individuals or other animals. Puppy socialisation is a crucial part of dog care.
Studies at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine showed that the first twelve are vital, 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 important, but takes more energy and planning and effort. This is also the experience of professional dog sitters who are frequently asked for tips.
Puppies are just like us, if the original experience is agonising, we will shun it or be nervous in the future, so  take things slowly and small. Do not force the puppy. If in doubt, stop and do it again later. Remember young puppies tire easily and need to rest often, so do new things for short periods and give plenty of rest in between.
So what practical things should we do?
• Invite friends and family, small, large, varied looking, different sexes. Be prudent 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 the house, then you can walk him around a bit with it on. Only use a lightweight buckle collar with a puppy.
• Visit your friends and families in their apartments.
• Try and introduce other puppies, especially other sociable, healthy and vaccinated hounds. Be careful until the puppy is fully vaccinated, meeting  mutts that you do not know.
• If you know anyone with mutt friendly cats, see if you can visit?
• Meet other animals, do you have a local farm near you? Difficult in cities, but look for opportunities.
•  Life in a car is part of life. So take puppy out for as many practical short rides in the automobile. Stop and let doggie watch the world pass by, in the security of the car. This will introduce him to noisy. Initiate him to other piercing noises such as drills.
• Take or walk him to places where there is local bustle such as shops and open spaces. Find a restaurant or coffee house where you can sit outside with your fido and observe the world. Loads of people will come and say hi to him.
•  Keep him close to activities in the house, paying attention to safety, vacuuming, 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 town flat owner, this may be more difficult.

Dog socialisation, start today and have a wonderful sociable pooch.