In the previous post we discussed the speed that your pup goes through the development stages. We need to make the most of this time so we can bond with the pup and develop good long-term habits.
Forget about drilling in obedience
The focus should never be about the traditional idea of obedience. You’re pup already knows how to “sit” and “drop” and it is just up to us humans to work out how to achieve this action when needed.
Trying to teach dogs by mindless repetition just doesn’t make sense to your dog. They can then easily become bored, and just like human teens, they end up easily distracted and start getting into trouble. Often you find you are dishing out more and more rewards but getting less and less response. The “terrible teen” will now start viewing you as a “cash dispenser”. Providing for their whims, but not taken seriously. Soon even the promise of a treat becomes boring and they will choose when or where to pay attention.
Instead, aim to set dogs up for long term success. Families need to concentrate on two main objectives:
- develop a bond between your dog and the family
- build the dogs self-confidence and self-control.
The bond between your dog and the family
A strong bond is formed when you first understand and accept your dog’s personality. Observe how they play and react to their new situation. This will tell you much about your dog. Exposing pups to a wide range of different environments will increase their experience of our human world. This is how a dog builds self-confidence.
Remember the old saying, ”it takes a village to raise a child”; the same can apply with our family dogs!
Get your dog out to meet new people in varied situations. Interacting with a variety of dogs and many other species of animals teaches our pet to be adaptable to change and deal with distractions life will throw his way.
Your dog has to understand boundaries:
this is how dogs build self-control
When your dog interacts with other dogs he starts to realise that life has boundaries. He can’t just rush into every meeting and annoy every dog, nor can he sit back and act the spoilt brat because it might make him a bit uncomfortable. He has to work out ways to adapt to the different personalities that he meets. The human’s job here is to not interfere but give the dog an opportunity to try alternative approaches.
Should your pup/dog becomes completely overwhelmed by a situation then step in. Create some space, and just give your dog a breather. Creating this space allows your dog to stop and have a rest break, mentally and physically, then when ready, he can try again! And again. The aim is to have your dog move outside their comfort zone: “Two steps forward, then one step back. Rest, then two steps forward, etc.”
Your dog learns by their experiences:
this is how dogs build self-confidence
Helicopter parenting prevents learning! Pet parents tend to micro-manage all aspects of their dogs life. Humans often see any conflict as ‘bad’ and become emotional. This adds an unhealthy energy into dog interactions. Instead your dog just needs to realise you are there for support, but at the same time your dog can test different behaviours to see what actions work in different situations.
Begin the journey and watch how much your dog learns in his first year. Remember the best time to start is NOW, don’t say “I’m busy now, I will start next week,” because the dog is getting older and habits are already forming which become harder to change as time moves on.
Alfoxton Tip: It is up to the humans to teach dogs about our human world.
When you get your pup, make the time, make the commitment: that first year will pass so quickly!