Positive Dog Training Blog

Posts Tagged ‘socialization’

Here are some more great puppy socialization ideas.  We already talked about sitting and meeting new people, lets think outside the box!

1. Have your puppy do just that, play with a box!
2. Walk on a wooden floor.
3. Walk on a plastic floor.
4. Step on a trash bag.
5. Sit on a table (like at the vets office)
6. Get in the bath tub – no water just yet! Or maybe just a tad warm water for fun.
7. Walk on gravel.

Get the idea? Getting your puppy to walk on a variety of textures helps their brains develop and learn to overcome fear.  If your puppy is nervous, don’t just push them on the item. See if you can use your treats to get them to follow it. Try to make them comfortable and relax.  Its very important to go at your puppies pace.

My favorite all time obstacle here is the buja board. Don’t worry – it isn’t something you use to summon spirits You put a board on the floor and slowly raise the height so it wobbles a bit.  I like to use a mat I can fold up to make it more wobbly.  Remember, go slow, take it easy and help your puppy have fun!

Happy puppy training.

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Step 1- be in charge.

Step 2- stay consistent.

Step 3- meet their physical and emotional needs.

Sounds easy right? It is actually.  I spoke with a nice guy yesterday who had done his research and his reading.  He read books by Ian Dunbar, Patricia McConnell – great authors which you can purchase at www.DogWise.com.  What did he learn?  Force isn’t required with puppies.

To meet goal #1, be in charge, start by having your pup follow you around (not the other way) with a lead or some cheerio rewards. Ask for sits before petting, playing, going outside, coming out of hte crate, eating dinner – its the easy way to teach “please”.

Goal #2, consistency.  Make  up rules, whatever they are, and follow them 100% of the time.  If you give in 1 out of 10 times then the dog learns that there is a chance to get away with whatever it is.  Lets say its jumping. The dog jumps, you ignore the pup for 30 seconds.  Every time! that means if you are sitting on the floor, standing, outside, 100% consistency.

Goal #3,meeting their needs.  Often times people think this means exercise, exercise. It doesn’t! Puppies do not need to run that much, or walk that much.  10 minutes two times a day is typically adequate for a young puppy (under  14 weeks).  Meeting their needs means exposing them to new things daily, challenging their every sense and  giving them mental stimulation.  Make them use their brains – try buster cubes, kongs, hide and seek, find it, or learn a new trick. My favorite game is called 101 things to do with a box. More  about that one later!

Good luck and happy dog training.

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The phone calls are starting to come in, we got a puppy for Christmas, now what?  The novelty wears off quickly and you realize that you have just that – a new puppy.  Puppies are hard work!  I  remember when we brought home Nitro, as a dog trainer I knew what to do, but I forgot how much time and attention it all requires.

So, if you have a new Christmas puppy, and are confused about where to start, there are three main things to focus on.

1. Socialization – keep everything positive and fun.  If your pup backs up, licks his lips, yawns, shakes off – those are signs of stress.  Use things he likes to make things fun – try food (cheerios are great) or toys. Petting can sometimes make the situation worse.
2. House training – keep an eye on your pup!  Depending on his age and size, I would start with potty breaks every 20 minutes.  House training a new  puppy can  be hard if done improperly.  Read this article for the best way to  house train a dog
3. Watch your puppy!  When you follow your puppy everywhere, he is acting as the leader.  Teach your puppy to follow you.  Either keep a leash tethered to him or constantly be calling him to go with you – of course rewarding him as he comes.  Do not let your pup in unsupervised rooms.

Lastly and most importantly – start looking for  a puppy preschool. Puppy preschools are meant for socialization and fun, not obedience.  If you are looking for someone qualified,  visit the Dog Trainer Search Dog Training Directory – all of these trainers are qualified professionals.

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