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Paw-sitive Beginnings: Shaping Your Dog Into the Perfect Pet
 "Paw-sitive Beginnings: Shaping Your Dog Into the Perfect Pet")
Dog training and socialisation aren’t just about teaching your dog to follow commands. A consistent and thoughtful approach to working on your pet’s behaviour will do much more than improve obedience—it will help strengthen your relationship with your dog, keep them safe, and promote their mental and emotional wellbeing for the long term.
Here’s why raising a well-socialised and well-trained dog is beneficial for everyone.
What do training and socialisation involve?
Good socialisation is about gradually exposing your dog to a variety of animals, people, and situations in a calm and positive way. This helps them to see these interactions as normal, safe, and enjoyable. Additionally, your dog should learn how to be calm both in the presence of others and when they are left alone.
The most sensitive period for socialisation occurs between 3 and 12 weeks of age. However, your dog’s experiences during adolescence (their “teenage” phase) and adulthood will still play an important role in shaping their behaviour.
Training is the process of teaching your dog to perform desirable behaviours such as sitting, coming when called, and walking on a lead. Training is particularly important during the adolescent stage (around 6-9 months for smaller breeds and 12-18 months for larger breeds), as previously cute behaviours like jumping or mouthing can become much more problematic as your dog grows larger and stronger.
Training that is based on positive reinforcement—such as offering treats, praise, or affection—is the most effective long-term strategy. Punishment, on the other hand, is less effective and can harm the bond between you and your dog.
Why is it important to train and socialise your dog from puppyhood through adulthood?
Training and socialisation provide a range of benefits for you and your dog, including:
- Reducing the risk of behavioural problems such as anxiety, aggression, or hyperactivity.
- Making grooming and vet visits easier by improving your dog’s tolerance of these procedures.
Finally, consistent training and socialisation will strengthen the emotional bond between you and your dog, ensuring that you enjoy many happy years together filled with affection and companionship.
- Helping your dog to remain calm and composed when visitors are in your home, giving you peace of mind (although interactions with children should always be closely supervised).
- Decreasing problem behaviours such as jumping up or mouthing.
- Encouraging positive interactions with other dogs, so your pet can safely enjoy playtime without triggering fights or aggressive behaviour.
- Making outdoor activities more enjoyable and stress-free, as your dog will walk calmly and return when called.
- Reducing the likelihood of separation anxiety by teaching your dog that it’s okay to be alone.
How do I go about training and socialising my dog?
Enrolling your puppy in a quality puppy preschool at around 10-12 weeks old is an excellent starting point. However, it’s crucial to continue training and socialisation throughout adolescence and into adulthood, as your dog’s behaviour will evolve as they mature.
For tailored advice on how best to train and socialise your dog, contact our team. We’re here to help with any questions or concerns.
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