When it comes to dogs and puppies, basic obedience commands seem to be on the top of many peoples’ lists as far as what is needed to ensure that your new canine companion will be a well-adjusted member of the family. Did you know that there is something that ranks even higher and has even more of an impact on your puppy/dog’s ability to function within your household?
Without proper socialization, your dog runs the risk of becoming a Scaredy-Dog, an aggressive dog, a fear biter, territorial, possessive, and/or reactive. Once this point is reached, all the basic obedience commands in the world won’t take care of the problem. You’ll find yourself dealing with a dog who requires the help of a professional to overcome the barking, biting, growling, etc.
The good news is that – whether you’ve just added a brand new, wet under the ears puppy, or an adult dog who was desperately in need of a good home – there are many steps you can take to ensure that proper socialization happens!
During socialization, the goal is to introduce your dog/puppy to every single sight, sound, smell, object, dog, cat, and person that will be a regular part of your day-to-day life, in a positive manner. And I mean, everything!
People
Create a positive experience by always having quality treats on hand (the softer and smellier, the better!). As soon as the new person enters the picture, start talking excitedly to your dog. “Look! It is Jimmy! He’s here to play with us,” and give your dog a few treats. Next, lead your dog over to “Jimmy” and be sure to show your dog just how welcome “Jimmy” is – shake hands, hug, smile, and have Jimmy give some of the treats to your dog.
Objects
Be sure to include objects in this training as well. My adopted dog, Karma, acted as though she had never before seen a parked, turned off, motorcycle during one of the first walks we took together. She became afraid, tail between her legs, barking, just at the sight of it. You never know what it will be that your dog thinks doesn’t belong in her world! In this instance, if your dog has already decided the motorcycle (object) is scary and doesn’t belong, the routine would be a little different. Without speaking, redirect your dog’s attention to the treats at a distance she can be calm. Gradually lure her with the promise of more treats, towards the object. If she becomes afraid, back up a few steps and try again. Do not force her to go closer than she is comfortable with! It may take a few days, but soon enough, she’ll find herself close to the object and, surprise, nothing bad happens to her! In fact, she gets treats!
Sounds
Sounds are important. A dog’s hearing is far superior to ours and they lack the cognitive ability to say “Oh, the squeaking sound I hear that seems to be coming from above me is just Sally walking on the floorboards.” All they know is that there is a strange sound occurring inside their home, seeming to come from above them, with no reason that they can see. A knock on the door doesn’t mean, “Jimmy is here to play with me!” It does, however, mean, “A loud sound just happened from outside – someone is trying to get into my house – sound the alarms!”
Stage any sound that your dog seems to be unsure about. For instance, if a knock on the door sends your dog into a territorial fit, a tail-between-the-legs fear, or anywhere in between, have someone knock on your door (and do not answer!) for training purposes, or knock on the door yourself from inside. Teach your dog that knocking isn’t scary, or cause for alarm. Knocking means that she should lay down on a mat, far enough away from the door that she isn’t in harms way, but close enough that she can see. Every time a knocking sound occurs, lure her over to her mat and have her lay down. Give her a yummy treat and make your way to the door. If she gets up, return to her and have her go back to a Down. Eventually she will see that being on her mat gets the door open. The sooner she goes there, the sooner she can see what the noise was all about!
Keep in mind that there are a lot of things to get your puppy or dog used to. Fly swatters, fireplaces, dropping books, seeing people out the window, the mailman, the neighbor’s dog, children playing outside, the hairdryer, television… Truly, the list is endless. Turn it into a game to enjoy! Coming up with new things for your dog to experience can be a lot of fun for everyone. This is a great job for children, also, as they are often incredibly creative and thrilled to be helping!
If you have any questions you would like to ask a Certified Dog Trainer, you can submit them right here at Naptown Buzz. Elizabeth Wilhelm, Certified Dog Trainer, will tackle the submitted questions, and give practical advice to solve common dog behavior issues. For more information about Elizabeth, you may visit her website at www.TrainingKarma.com.