Dog Training - Socializing Your Dog

Dogs, like humans, show a broad range of toleration for others. Some are instantly amicable with every new dog, cat or lizard. Others are constantly antagonistic to even the opposite sex of their own breed. Inasmuch as dogs are by nature territorial the diversity is odd, but there it is.

Of course, animal lovers like to have more than one dog around and regularly many breeds or other species. Ensuring that chairs stay standing up and necks unbitten can be a genuine challenge. Add to the mix the neighbor's pets or random critters who stray into your companion's territory and your furnishings, not to mention your saneness, can be at true danger.

The first step is to begin the procedure of socializing your dog as soon as possible. Like children, puppies are much more accepting of strangers. They haven't yet distinguished between friend and foe and all things is a new experience to be explored instead of feared or chased.

If you own only one dog, present the puppy early on to other dogs and people. Get them used to being touched, especially between the toes, in the ears and near the eyes. Apart from impact on interaction with animals, that will also make vet visits and trips to the store a lot easier.

Dogs, of course, sniff all things. When they're about to interact with another, watch them closely until you're confident there won't be chasing or ferocity, then let them explore the other dog, cat or creature.

If the dog shows a tendency to bound or bite, tolerate it up to the point someone is going to get hurt. It's common for dogs to rough house, knock one another about and even lightly bite legs and necks. Remain close and be ready to pull them away, if helpful, leather gloves may be useful during the opening training.

If they continually bark, sidetrack them with a treat, a toy or a sharp command. If they decline to cease pulling or barking after many attempts at control, try another day. What works will vary widely depending on the particular dog and a few will simply never tolerate others. You'll learn what's more and less effective as you observe their interactions over time.

It may be helpful to put the dog on it's back, then hold it down with a firm hand on the chest. In harder cases a bark or shout in the dog's face is advantageous. Yes, you will look like an idiot to others, but this approach is even employed by the Monks of New Skeet. The brothers of this upper New York State religious order are world-renown for their German Shepherd training practices.

Rescued or animal shelter dogs can demand extra tolerance when socializing. These dogs have regularly been abused by people or injured by other dogs. Those experiences of course usually lead to hostility or fear. Amazing transformations have been seen even in these dogs, though.

After repeated training they can learn to at least tolerate other people and pets.
Begin early, expose for short periods leading to longer ones, repeat as needed. In all cases, be prepared to physically and mentally control the dog.

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