Puppy Socialization and Training by Halle – The first months of your puppy’s life are the most critical. The type of lifestyle you wish to have with your new pup should be incorporated right from Day 1. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Socialization with people and places.
Take your puppy with you everywhere you go. You might be surprised at how many places welcome puppies. I currently have a 9-week-old puppy, Rollins. I take her shopping with me all the time. She meets lots of people and doesn’t stay at home alone in a cage.
2. Socialization with other dogs.
Rollins is lucky to have many furry friends; they are wonderful for here to interact with and believe it or not, that’s part of her early socialization. You would be surprised at how much puppies can learn from older dogs. When you let your pup, who is not fully vaccinated play with other dogs, be sure the other dogs are healthy and up to date on their shots.
Call your friends and family members with appropriate pets and set up play dates. Socialization at a young age ensures your dog will like other dogs and be adaptable to many situations. It is important Rollins gets along with other dogs and is well socialized, as her life will be full of other dogs.
3. Establishing a Daily Routine
A tired puppy is a happy puppy. Put your puppy in boot camp, make a plan and stick to it each day. As hard as it may be, DON’T let your puppy persuade you to change your course of action. Puppies are like children they will push you as far as they can.
Rollins is crate trained. After a week of complaints, she now happy sleeps 8 hours a night, accident-free. We installed a video camera in her crate so we can monitor her.
It’s a great way to keep an eye on your bundle of fur and eases your mind when you’re not home.
4. The Crate.
Your pups’ crate is a HAPPY and Safe Haven. It should not be used as a place of punishment. Rollins sleeps and eats her meals in her crate. During meal time, she walks into her crate and waits patiently for her meals. We leave the door open to her crate and she from time to time can wander in and happily sit and play with her toys.
5. Exercise.
Rollins goes for two walks a day daily; each is about 30 minutes. During her walks she is in a harness with a leash; she is always walking ahead of me. I use treats and reward her for good behavior. The moment she falls behind and is tired, our walk is over. Her walks start and end the day, it sets up her day for success and tires her out so she is ready for bedtime.
Dr. Carol Osborne is an author and world-renowned integrative veterinarian of twenty plus years. After graduating from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carol completed a prestigious internship at the Columbus Zoo. Shortly afterward, she launched a very successful private practice and became founder and director of the non-profit organization, the American Pet Institute.
Dr. Carol offers traditional veterinary care for dogs and cats with a softer, natural touch. Her approach highlights the importance of nutrition and utilizing holistic avenues in combination with traditional treatments. Currently, she offers holistic therapies and traditional veterinary medical care for dogs and cats at the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Call our Office Today at (866) 372-2765 or complete this Form to Email our Office.
