Puppy Socialization

Puppy Socialization.... What Is It And When Should You Start?

As a Chihuahua breeder I start this puppy socialization from day one.

I make sure each puppy is carefully handled and as they grow I discourage their mouthing with those needle sharp teeth.

Bonding it’s not something you do once and it's done. The bond with your dog is built during the first few weeks to months of ownership, but maintaining the bond is a lifelong process.

I encourage each new owner to continue with obedience training so they will give their new puppy a happy healthy start.

Train Your Dog

No one enjoys being around an unruly, disobedient dog. Obedience training and proper puppy socialization will help your dog become a welcome guest most everywhere.

Basic training not only benefits you and your dog; it also benefits others. A well-behaved dog is less likely to cause trouble in public places. But remember, you must take full responsibility for your dog's misbehavior.

From housebreaking to basic commands, puppy socialization and training actually strengthens the bond between you and your dog, which leads to a happier and less stressful life together.

Train your dog to sit, stay, lie down, and come when called. None of these are hard to teach or for your dog to learn, it just takes little practice and time with your dog.

Sit

The sit command is one of the easiest commands your can teach. A great start for dog or puppy socialization.

Get your dog’s attention and show her that you have a treat in your hand.

Hold the treat just above your dog’s nose (not too high where they may jump).

Say your dog’s name followed by the word “sit,” spoken clearly and firmly.

Move the treat back towards your dog’s ears.

As soon as your dog’s rear lands on the ground, say “good sit” in an upbeat tone.

Give your dog the treat followed by petting and praising.

If your dog does not sit on her own after a few tries, avoid pushing her into a sitting position. Instead, spend some time watching her. Anytime she naturally sits, say “good sit,” then praise and reward her.

Do short training sessions throughout the day at various locations, both indoor and outdoors. Include the front door and food bowl as regular training locations. This will make her more likely to sit when greeting guests or before feeding.

Once your dog becomes and expert at sitting, you no longer need to give a treat every time – only occasionally. However, rewarding with praise is always a good idea.

All you need to start is a big handful of your dog’s favorite treats

Down

Teaching the down command to your dog is almost as simple as sitting

Get your dog’s attention and show him that you have a treat in your hand.

Hold the treat in front your dog’s nose.

Say your dog’s name followed by the word “down,” spoken clearly and firmly.

Slowly move the treat towards the ground.

As soon as your dog’s elbows and hocks are on the ground, say “good down” in an upbeat tone.

Give your dog the treat followed by petting and praising.

Repeat 5-6 times.

Tips: If your dog does not lie down on his own after a few tries, avoid pushing him down. Next time he naturally lies down, say “down,” then praise and reward him.

Again do short training sessions throughout the day in various locations, both indoor and outdoors.

Once your dog becomes and expert at lying down, you no longer need to give a treat every time – only occasionally. However, rewarding with praise is always a good idea.

Teach your dog to Come

One of the biggest hassles for dog owners is an unreliable recall. To me this is a very important command, not being able to get your dog to come presents a risk factor to their safety.

Here are some simple steps to help your dog enjoy returning to your side when he's off-leash.

Find out what motivates your dog. What kind of treat always gets an instant reaction?

Invest in a good supply of your dog's favorite treats, whatever they are.

Start in the house, and call your dog's name. As soon as he arrives at your feet, give him a treat.

Repeat consistently, every time your dog comes when you call his name inside your home, give him a treat.

Once you have established this pattern to your satisfaction, take him to a secure outside location.

Start again. Call your dog's name. As soon as he arrives at you, give him a treat and praise alot.

Repeat constantly.

Wait until your dog's attention is focused on something other than you (still in a secure outside environment).

Call his name. When he lifts is head, praise him, and show your hand with his favorite treat. When he reaches you, give him the treat.

Repeat this continuously over the next few days.

Tips:

Even though your dog has established the pattern to his mind, you = treats ; it is never completely safe to let your dog run off-leash unless you are in a secure environment.

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