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Make sure that your dog meets a huge variety of dogs.
You want them to meet big dogs, small dogs, male dogs,
female dogs, etc. Your trainer can also recommend
some additional socializing based on the breed of your
dog. For example, dogs with high prey drives such as
German Shepherds should be highly socialized with small
dogs to help prevent future issues. It is also important to
make sure your dog meets a lot of dogs of the same sex.
Generally speaking, dogs are more likely to not get along
with same sex dogs when they reach adolescence or
adulthood, and additional socializing can help prevent this.
take it slow! Do not take
an eight week old puppy
to downtown Chicago
for the afternoon. If you
overwhelm your puppy
and scare them you can
actually sensitize them
to a stimuli. That means
they will become more
stressed each time they
see it rather than less
stressed. That is the exact
opposite of what socialization is meant to do! Practice
walking your puppy on leash in public and ease them into
each situation. Use this time to practice leash skills so that
the dog can get used to walking calmly past new things.
If your puppy looks scared it means you have pressed him
way too far and need to remove him from the situation.
You should also introduce your puppy to any animals
that they may need to coexist with in the future. Most
puppies will love a cat when introduced properly, but it
may be a different story when your little puppy is two
years old. An adult dog that meets a cat for the first time
may instantly consider the cat to be prey and this can
lead to disastrous results.
The goal is to have ALL positive interactions. If your puppy
seems fearful when you are socializing him, it is important
to immediately notify your trainer. They can assist you
in the process of desensitizing your dog to whatever is
scaring him. Don’t worry, fear can be overcome, but it is
important to start as soon as possible!
Introduce Him to Different Places and Objects
When you are socializing your puppy it is easy to forget
a very important part of raising a well adjusted dog:
acclimating them to all the environments, noises and
sounds that they will experience throughout life! This
includes trucks, buses, cars, bikes, horns, hats, jackets
and every other part of daily life. When a dog is properly
socialized he should be able to walk down a busy city
street full of people, dogs, and cars without any fear. If
your dog doesn’t see a big city until they are a year old
you may be in for a surprise. He may be terrified!
Socializing your dog is incredibly important and incredibly
fun. If you follow these guidelines the odds of your puppy
growing up happy and social are extremely high.
Take it Slow and Have Fun!
Visit www.suburban-k9.com or call
Whether you are introducing your dog to people, other
animals, new objects or new locations it is important to
(847) 232-1269
Emails and Letters from Adopters
Dear WSHS,
I’m just writing to let you know that Jethro got to his forever
home yesterday afternoon. I have a couple of photos to
show you how he is doing. One photo was on the ride home
with his new gal friend Lilly Bean, and the other while he was
napping. The two pups are getting along better than I could
have imagined. Jethro is adjusting and seems to love it there!
Jethro is a real sweetie who loves to cuddle and get hugs. Now
I know why everyone at the shelter spoke so highly of him.
Thanks for allowing him to be part of my and Lilly Bean’s life!
Sincerely,
Bob Polek
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