Puppy Training Basics - Teaching your Puppy to be Gregarious

By Frederico Sasso

Dogs are much like humans since they do enjoy interaction with nearly everyone. They are generally friendly and enjoy interaction with other animals, such as dogs and even reptiles. However, dogs are different as well. Some dogs are hostile even to other dogs. All dogs are different, just as all people are different.

If you are an animal lover, then you know the value of having several dogs, regardless of their species. This makes it very difficult to keep your house in order, and then you have the fact that your dogs will want to defend their territory. If you have ever seen a canine territorial conflict, then you know what a headache can be. We've all had the experience of walking the dog in the middle of the night, and watching a rival dog wander into the yard. Have you ever managed to make it back inside without the entire front of your body covered in wet grass?

There are ways to remedy this. Your dog needs to be taught social behavior as soon as humanly possible. They're like children, and as children, their minds are more susceptible to learning. You remember how easily you accepted things when you were a child, right? They have not established the line between a friend and an enemy; they're just trying to learn, and you need to take advantage of that.

If you have decided to have just one dog, then in it's young years you need to introduce it to other dogs. This way it will understand that not all dogs are enemies. It also needs to become used to being touched. This will make it friendlier around other people, and of course will keep it from biting every hand it happens to see.

Now when you have decided to introduce your puppy to other dogs, you need to make sure you keep a tight grip on their leash. Do this until you're absolutely certain they aren't going to kill each other. It sounds a little controlling, but just like children, they need to be taught the difference between right and wrong.

Puppies enjoy jumping, shoving and biting, it is part of their play; however, you can teach them not to do so. They will do this while playing with one another, just ensure they are not really hurting one another. It can be terribly annoying to try to watch television, while your puppy or dog is jumping on you continually, whether it is a lap dog or not.

You might find that your dog likes to bark. All dogs love to bark, it is quite natural, but it becomes a bit nerve racking if your dog is standing in the house barking at all times. You can try to distract them with a treat, or teach them to stop barking all the time. It might not work at first, and if that is the case you will need to keep trying. Perhaps you can teach them that you will provide them a treat, but only if they will stop barking. If you use this method then over time they will learn only to bark when absolutely necessary.

One method of teaching a dog to be quite, and it's going to sound strange, is to put them on their back and yell in their faces. Okay it's not going to look good if someone walks by and sees it, but many professional dog trainers use this method. Also remember that if you have rescued an animal from either the street or an animal shelter, because they probably have not been taught from an early age. That does not mean it's impossible to train them however.

Just remember to train your dog as early as possible. Trained properly he or she can be a worthy companion and friend for years to come. Keep this in mind next time you decide to raise a four legged companion. - 32366

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