Let’s Get Social

Dogs need friends just like people do.  So many pet owners think a cute puppy kindergarten class in Willow Springs is the answer.  Puppy fun classes are enjoyable to watch but they do not develop lifelong socialization lessons.  They can create future problems.  When puppies are tumbling around you do not have control of them to correct improper behavior so they may even develop problems they didn’t have originally.

Socialization with other canines does not start with other dogs living in the house, dogs living next door, or other canines that visit your Willow Springs home on a regular basis.  It should start with canines they don’t know.  The most critical time in the dog’s life to work on socialization is between 10 months and 24 months of age…and then continue forever.

Allow your dogs to play with other canines but be careful of dog parks in Willow Springs (or anywhere).  You know how much socialization your dog has but you can’t know about another dog.  We now live in a litigious time and if 2 canines get into a fight and your dog wins even if he didn’t start it, you will be sued.

Take your dog to as many public places in Willow Springs as you can and be sure they are in your control.  The only way a dog can learn is with life experiences where you can correct any bad behavior.  Try stores where they allow pets, go to drive throughs at the local fast food restaurant, try a reputable day care, go to group classes where socialization is stressed.

At Rock’s Positive K-9 Training we work with pets with socialization problems all the time and it is stressed throughout all training aspects.  Check our class schedule and try one of our group training sessions.