Dog Obedience Training For Your Pet Dog

A reputable dog obedience training program, created by a top dog trainer, not only uses gentle and humane dog training tips, but it stresses the importance of puppy socialization. Wolves live in family units, for hunting success and safety. Your dog, a descendent of the wolf, seeks that same sense of safety and familiarity.

Your dog’s ancestors were, indeed, predators, but they weren’t invincible. Especially when separated from their packs, they were vulnerable in unfamiliar situations that included unknown creatures and landscapes. This fear was necessary for survival, and lives on in modern dogs.

This instinct has carried over to modern times, in our dogs’ fears of strangers and unfamiliar venues. Often, because dogs aren’t comfortable in those unfamiliar situations, their fears can manifest as aggression.

For these reasons, not excluding the safety of your family, neighbors, other dogs, and your own dog, it’s important to start socializing your puppy as early as possible.

From her eighth to her sixteenth week, she’s like a sponge, absorbing the world around her. During this time, you’ll have the unique and fleeting opportunity to show her that the world is a fun place.

When you picture your life with your grown dog, do you anticipate enjoying the wide world with him? Then, by all means, get out there with your puppy and introduce him to that wide world:

Expose your puppy to children, so that she can learn to view their quick movements and shrill voices as nonthreatening.

Hop in the car for rides with your puppy.

Stroll through nature, so your puppy can experience the sights and sounds of chipmunks, birds, etc.

Introduce her to other dogs. Dog parks and dog obedience training schools are terrific ways to accomplish this.

Take a walk down a busy street’s sidewalk, so that your puppy can become accustomed to the sounds and sights of vehicles, horns, bicycles, joggers, and other walking dogs.

Drop in at the veterinarian office, groomer, pet store, and kennel, even if it’s simply to visit, and encourage the staff to interact with your puppy.

Find those places, like banks, home improvement stores, and pet retailers that welcome pets, and patronize them with your puppy in tow. Take advantage of the dog treats that are offered to shape your puppy’s positive view of these places.

You’ll already be embroiled in training puppy, so if she remains calm despite a loud noise, or sits nicely to be petted by a child, use the clicker, a treat, and targeted words to reinforce that desirable behavior.

In a situation that elicits puppy fear, with noises, strange smells, or unfamiliar sights, do not reward her fear by comforting her. This sends the message that her fearful behavior is desirable, and should be repeated in the future. Only reward her when she’s showing the confidence that’s desirable in these situations.

Don’t force a puppy to take part in a scenario that is causing fear. Instead, talk to the stranger, or stand tall in the face of a noisy motor, and she will take a cue from you. When she finally does relax and join in, click and offer a reward.

Often, dog owners aren’t able to find the time or the physical energy to get their puppies out into the world. In these cases, it’s important that these dog owners invite visitors to their homes to meet their puppies, and that they hire a dog walker or top dog trainer to escort the puppy on jaunts around the great wide world. If these measures aren’t taken, the puppy will grow to be a reclusive dog who is fearful of visitors, vet visits, etc.

Every time you take your puppy for a ride, or a walk, or meander through a crowd of people with her, she’s gaining the confidence that’s necessary to be a calm, friendly adult dog.

You know how it feels to start a new job or to walk into a room filled with strangers. Your dog feels the same fear, but could react with aggression. Expose your puppy to the world, and he will view it as a kind, welcoming place; and that’s priceless in your quest for the perfect dog human relationship, as well as dog obedience training triumph.

Learn more about puppy training. Stop by the Fast and Easy Dog Training site where you can find out all about dog training and what it can do for you and your dog.