How can I rear my puppy to like other dogs when we’re locked down and social distancing?
A lot of people are asking this, and I absolutely understand where they’re coming from with this question!
For years we have been told that unless your puppy meets other dogs, in quantity, before the age of 15 weeks, you are doomed to a lifetime of reactivity and aggression.
Like all bowdlerisations, this one is liable to serious misinterpretation.
In fact, what we are actually told is that we have to acclimatise our puppy to everything he’s likely to meet in everyday life by the age of 15 weeks.
That is very different!
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Misinterpretation, mishearing, misunderstanding …
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing
Picking up a little of the message without understanding the reasoning behind it is the problem here.
And sadly it can actually be the CAUSE of reactivity problems later on!
The exact opposite of what the hapless owner intended!
The way forward
So what should the new puppy-owner be doing, especially in this difficult time?
If you follow the actual advice from the scientists, to introduce novelty into your puppy’s life so that he enjoys the experience, you’ll see that this novelty will include other dogs, and an awful lot more besides!
The idea of dropping a young puppy into the middle of a mass of dogs - some madly excited, some terrified - is awful! And it’s at the centre of many puppy classes run by inexperienced tutors.
To help you understand exactly what your puppy is telling you, do research Dog Body Language. There are some resources listed at the foot of this article to help you - and your children! - learn what your new pet is saying. It really may not be what you think.
I teach Choice Training
That is to say, my dogs always have a choice in what they do.
Nothing builds confidence more than having your wishes respected, your opinions considered, your decisions honoured.
And never is this more important than in meeting other creatures, be they two- or four-legged.
Naturally, the safety of the other party always has to be considered! So if your puppy is meeting a shy dog, a cat or bird, or a baby, for the first time, restraint on harness and lead is essential, or else the “victim” should be safely protected in a crate or cage or playpen.
That said, allow your puppy a choice.
Don’t shove him forward to meet people or dogs - let him move forward at his own pace and manner. Let him make the decision whether to progress or hide behind you. Either way he is expressing his feelings. And allowing those feelings is what will develop confidence.
• Confidence that you will honour his feelings
• Trust that you will protect him
And this will build his ability to cope with new things, whether a helicopter overhead, a dragonfly buzzing around his head, a child banging a bucket, a dog barking . . .
This is what is meant by exposing your puppy to novelty!
Not throwing him into a situation he cannot manage, when the only thing he’ll learn is fear.
Older dogs
The exact same applies for handling “socialisation” for your older dog. Technically you can’t “socialise” a dog over the age of 15 weeks. But you can still introduce him to novelty, in a gradual and structured way, so that his confidence builds - just the same as with your puppy
Already got a Growly Dog? A reactive, shy, aggressive dog? Watch our free Masterclass and learn new strategies to change your lives for the better!
RESOURCES
Dog Body Language
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00_9JPltXHI
Dog Body Language
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bstvG_SUzMo