Puppy Training Tips
One of the things that people don’t realize is just how much we “take for granted” because we’re so used to it.
We’ve spent decades in this world and are familiar with all the sounds, actions, traffic, people, objects, etc.
You’re used to the world around you.
Your pup, however, isn’t.
So it’s incredibly important to recognize what some of those things are that you need to be aware of.
TWO big ones that a lot of dogs have “issue” with are car noises and horns.
You hear them all the time and think nothing of them.
To you it’s, “Oh, that’s just a car.”
But for your dog it’s this crazy HUGE moving object.
It could be a big noisy monster for all they know and they have no idea what to do or how to act.
Traffic is another big one that can really stress out your pup.
In fact it’s probably one of the biggest things that people come to us for.
There are even dogs that get nervous when they see a puddle or a manhole cover/sewer grate.
Things that you just step right over, walk around, and think nothing of.
They encounter them and get scared.
It’s important to realize that there are all kinds of things you might take for granted that your pup will be scared of.
Anything that’s out of the ordinary and different is something that could set off your dog. Especially if your pup is already in a “stressed out” state.
We tend to see this much more in pups that haven’t been socialized at all.
You know, those doggies that are living in the house, free rein of the backyard, and hasn’t encountered many people or other dogs yet.
Chances are that pup’s going to be really scared (or on edge) when they DO finally meet other people.
Or they might get triggered when they see a person walking with a cane, wearing a hat, or someone who has a hood up.
Anything out of the ordinary, that they’re not used to, can set them off. AND it has nothing to do with them being a “bad pup” or anything like that.
Also we’re not saying this will happen with every dog.
A lot of dogs are just happy and easy going, even if they were only used to being in the house for two years.
Those pups can still go out and be perfectly fine. So it really varies from dog to dog.
I just want you to know that it’s not your fault and your pup isn’t a bad dog.
It has nothing to do with you being a bad dog owner.
Dogs are like little kids, they’re learning to live in a world that we’re already used to.
And just like kids, some kids are more open and confident and other kids are more reserved and shy.
We can’t predict how that dog’s going to be, which is why we always try to encourage these behaviors very early on in their puppy stages.
AND…
Rest assured, if your dog isn’t a puppy anymore, these behaviors can still be course corrected.
Talk soon,
Stacy
PLUS: Whenever you’re ready… here are 2 ways I can help your Four Legged Furry Family Member
1. Book your pup for a Board and Train
My favorite thing to do is to help people with their dogs. If you have a particularly reactive pup the Board and Train (B&T) is exactly what the doctor ordered to help you improve all kinds of behaviors. If you’d like to learn more about my B&T just reply to this email with “B&T” in the subject line.
2. Join our Fusion Program and be a Case Study
I’m putting together a new Fusion Program case study group this month… stay tuned for details. If you’d like to work with me on your improving your life with your pup… just reply to this message and put “Fusion Program” in the subject line.
Westchester K-9 Dog Training
914 393 2346
info@westchesterk-9.com