Holidays are stressful enough without the risk of combining an unruly puppy with Thanksgiving company. There is no need to dread the festivities, though, when your pup is properly socialized and given humane obedience training.
Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital is pleased to announce our brand new training, obedience and socialization classes, perfect for that adorable new puppy, or an adult canine who needs to bone up on basics.
Why Socialization Matters
Socialization is essentially the process of exposing and acclimating a puppy to new experiences, other dogs, a variety of people, and strange places.
The premise is that, through new stimuli, your puppy will be able to more confidently experience change and newness without fear or anxiety. Ideally, this process begins when your puppy is between the ages of 8-12 weeks; however, many adult rescues or adopted dogs have never had the opportunity to become socialized in a stress-free, controlled manner. This is in part why some dogs have a tough time with strangers, rambunctious children, or other over-stimulating things.
Aside from the obvious benefit of socialization (a less bark- and bite-prone pooch), there are numerous positive results from proper dog socialization. Dogs who have been properly socialized are generally happier and healthier because they are not as susceptible to stress. They are more confident and able to interact with other dogs and animals. And, they are more accustomed to being around crowds or other places where people gather, therefore more equipped to respond positively to public activity and change.
The Benefits of Basic Dog Obedience
Just like socialization, young dogs require some basic, ethical obedience training, also beginning around 12 weeks of age. We’ve all been around dogs who have not been properly trained. No one really enjoys hearing the shouts of a scolding pet parent or seeing the unbridled behavior of a pooch on the loose.
Puppy kindergarten teaches you how to handle basic puppy issues such as potty training, nipping, chewing and jumping, and how to reinforce good behaviors while discouraging undesired ones.
Basic dog obedience training teaches your puppy how to understand and respond to commonly used commands, such as “down”, “stay”, “leave it”, or “sit” and establishing a sense of expectation between you and your dog. It also includes learning loose leash walking.
Adult dog obedience training covers other important facets of dog guardianship, such as using positive reinforcement and behavior modification to set your dog up for success and will ensure that he or she knows basic commands and how to walk nicely on a loose leash.
Before the rush of the holiday season kicks into full gear, consider signing your favorite canine up for one of our new obedience or socialization classes. And, if you would like more information, give us a call. We’ll gladly advise you on the best training schedule for your dog’s age and requirements.