How To Train A Dog

Even though your dog may seem like part of the family, you should remember that your dog is actually an animal. It’s imperative to your dog’s overall health and wellness that you treat her like a dog rather than a human, especially when interacting with other dogs.

Too often we bring home a new dog and welcome the puppy as a member of the family. But then the dog becomes a fixture of the home, and rarely sees people outside of the family except for the vet and groomer. Even though the dog connects with visitors who come to our home, their well-being requires that they mix with others dogs in an environment outside of your home.

Why, you ask? Socializing regularly with other dogs will help your dog recognize them as friends rather than enemies and will avoid unnecessary aggression.

Socializing a puppy is easy, although you should wait until she’s completed her puppy vaccines, including rabies, before taking her out into the world. Puppies are more likely to be interested in meeting a new dog and curiosity will outweigh caution. Just like children, they don’t know what a stranger is.

The best place to introduce a dog to other dogs is a park specifically for dogs. Dog parks may have areas made just for smaller dogs and puppies to protect them from larger dogs. Talk to dog owners and see which dogs are most likely to accept your pup’s attempts at making friends, or find another puppy owner and let your little ones play. If your dog makes a special new friend in the park, then chat with the owner about scheduling time for the pups to play.

Alternatives to a dog park are walking trails, or even visiting a pet store that welcomes canine shoppers. Although being leashed makes some dogs react differently, it shouldn’t affect your puppy, just ask before approaching a strange dog.

Use these same guidelines for grown dogs as well. If your older pet gets too excited around strangers, then reconsider the dog park plan. You might be better off trying a canine day care center or kennel that can offer supervised social interactions for Rover. Look for a center that can train your dog to get over his apprehension. If you believe that his aggression has escalated to the point where he could cause someone harm, consider finding a qualified teacher to work with your dog.

It means happier dog walks, easier trips to the vet, and if you decide to add another dog at some point, a smoother transition for both of you.

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