Socialising my puppy

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Emma&Tess
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Joined: Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:35 pm

Socialising my puppy

Post by Emma&Tess »

Hi all!

I have just started socialising my 11 week old German Shepherd puppy.When she meets other puppies or dogs she barks at them. Someone told me to spray water at her when she does this. It seems to work but is it the right way.

Thanks
emmabeth
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Post by emmabeth »

No - this will teach her to associate other dogs wtih something unpleasant. Definately not the right way.

Ask other dog owners if you can walk with them, with both dogs on leads 'parallel' for a time, ignoring her barking, rewarding her for any attention she pays to you.

Allow little meetings and once the dogs know one another allow her to play if its a safe area to be off lead.

At 11/12 weeks old though I take puppies to a place where they can be off lead and meet other dogs off lead - she should be more interested in stayign with you so shouldnt run off, (she might run to greet another dog, so do be sure to check this is ok with the owners first, dont let her meet a dog that may be overly scary to her).

Whoever has told you to punish a little puppy for being excited or possibly fearful is a muppet and you SERIOUSLY need to ignore them and not take any further advice from them.

Get your pup mixing with nice dogs of a variety of ages, take lots of treats and any moments where she looks unsure or looks to see where you are, call her adn reward her. Step in if play gets too stupid, (as one would with children who are getting silly) and dont let her bully anyone (though adult dogs will tell puppies off and be prepared for this to happen - puppies then scream as if all their legs got sliced off but thats their way of making sure they dont get hurt, its a major overreaction as a 'protection'!)

Any situation you want her to be good in as an adult, reward her for experiencing as a pup. Ignore barking and distract her with games/treats etc - punishing with water sprays will just destroy any bond between you and will teach her that some situations are horrible and make her defensively aggressive in the long run!
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Emma&Tess
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Joined: Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:35 pm

Post by Emma&Tess »

Thanks for the tips again. As soon as I heard this water spraying 'method' I knew it was wrong. I am glad to know I am on track. :D :D :D :!:
SuzanneT
Posts: 42
Joined: Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:03 am
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Post by SuzanneT »

You may wish to purchase or borrow Ian Dunbar's book:

http://books.google.com/books?id=XecFms ... unbar+dogs
Suzanne

Mom to Gemini, English Mastiff, and Isis, Great Dane
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