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So you
want to adopt a Shelter Dog?
One of my greatest privileges was adopting my first
dog from a humane society. This particular dog was
adopted and returned several times by other people
before he came into my world. My life was virtually
changed overnight. The lifestyle I lived was no longer
an option with this precious living animal looking to
me for all his needs. Despite how easy it was to love
this dog, my decision to adopt him was not taken
lightly. I hope that the information below will help
anyone considering adopting a dog to be helpful and
valuable. A dog is a big decision but a rewarding one
too!
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Educating Puppy… and other
thoughts on Puppy Preschool
by Barb Velasquez
One of the most frequently asked question of me is can a
puppy wait until he is 6 months old before starting
obedience? The answer is most emphatically: NO! The
reality is that by the time your puppy is 14 weeks he is
considered a juvenile puppy and is ready to test his
boundaries!
Too many people wait until they have a young dog with
behavior problems before they are ready to invest in some
training. Dealing with a dog close to adult size with
problem behaviors can be very frustrating. On the other
hand, taking time to train a young puppy will likely
result in a young adult who knows what behaviors are
acceptable. Training a dog strengthens the bond between
owner and dog. Living with a well mannered dog brings
pleasure and satisfaction to the family as well as give a
dog structure and rules he can count on.
The most critical period for puppies to receive
socialization is under 16 weeks. After 12 weeks of age, a
puppy's experiences can have a lasting impact on his
behavior and social development. It is therefore
imperative that puppies learn how to interact with other
dogs, men, women and children. They need to be exposed to
new environments, smells and sounds. Their experiences
need to be supervised, controlled and always positive. The
social skills your puppy gains (in most cases) will define
the dog he becomes.
Some dog owners may be cautioned not to take their puppy
out of the home before the vaccination series is finished
at 14 weeks. Taking this advice may prevent, without a
doubt, the very small chance of contracting a disease.
However, not socializing your puppy early, leaves the risk
of dog aggression, people or environmental fears and
unwanted puppy behaviors. Many veterinarians and dog
professionals will recommend that a puppy be permitted in
a puppy class after two vaccinations have been given.
Most puppies can start class between 9 and 12 weeks.
Training rooms that only permit dogs with proof of
vaccinations are generally safe places for puppies to
socialize. I do not recommend letting your partially
vaccinated puppy walk in the neighborhood, pet stores or
other places where unvaccinated dogs might have been. Even
though your puppy will have some immunity to protect him
from disease, it may not be enough should he be in an area
where an ill dog has been.
Puppy classes help develop your dog's social skills around
other dogs. Since most classes are family oriented, the
puppies have an opportunity to socialize with kids and
adults. The amount of behaviors a puppy can learn in just
a short succession of classes will amaze his owner. Shy
dogs will become more confident and "bully" dogs will
become more managed and less unruly. Teaching your puppy
leadership will last him a lifetime.
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Home Alone...
These are just a few tips that will help your dog be
happier with your departures. There are some dogs that
have a true "separation anxiety" and a consultation with a
good trainer is highly recommended. You will find the
following suggestions helpful for the dog that just
doesn't like to be left home!
- Be sure your dog is
properly exercised. A tired dog is a happy dog!
- Obedience train your
dog. Teaching your dog leadership means he doesn't need
to be in control.
- Provide your dog with
products to prevent boredom:
Kong toy-food and treats stuffed inside for your dog
Buster Cube - same concept as Kong toy
Tennis balls - cut with small holes and filled with a
kibble meal. They can be hidden around your home
Rawhides, rope toys, and other safe items while home
alone
- No big "hellos" and no
big "goodbyes". It's easy to want to reassure your dog
you will be back or happily greet him because you are
back, but this actually creates anxiety! Keep your
goodbyes to a phrase you use each time you leave. For
example, try "I'll be back". When you return home, say
nothing for the first minute and then give your dog a
very mild greeting.
- If your dog is
destructive, consider crate training. Find a good
obedience instructor who can show you the proper way to
crate train a dog and how to ween them out of one
- Desensitize your dogs
to departure cues. Perform departure cues (i.e., pick up
your keys, put on your lipstick, etc.), then don't
leave.
- Stage departures of
short duration. Start with a few minutes, then add a few
more with each trip. Mix up the small segments of time
so it looks like this: 3,3,3,5,5,1, 6, 8, 3, etc. Once
you have passed 30 minutes you can increase the duration
by bigger increments.
- Avoid reprimand after
the "act". Avoid the "my dog knows he was bad because he
looks guilty" mentality. Your dog is reacting to your
body language and emotions. Dogs will try to avoid your
anger by crouching, rolling over, or avoiding eye
contact. You think your dog knows he is "guilty" of
being destructive or house soiling, but he is really
associated the "evidence" with the reprimand to follow.
He cannot understand that the "act" is wrong unless you
see it happen. If your dog cannot understand or predict
your anger, then he will begin to mistrust you.
- Leave music or TV on to
"drown" out noises outside and provide company to your
dog.
- Close drapes and limit
the space you give your dog. If you have a dog that will
destroy blinds, hang them outside your window rather
than inside.
- For "solo" dog homes: A
second dog is not always the solution. Two dogs can do a
lot more damage.
Yes, a second dog can be
company, but if you have one dog with separation problems,
he can teach the new dog to be anxious, too.
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We are a 501 C3 non-profit organization privately funded
through the generosity of Mr. Sam Simon so we do not accept
any public donations.
WE OFFER THESE SERVICES FREE OF COST TO ALL RECIPIENTS OF OUR
PROGRAMS. |
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Mail inquiries: The Sam Simon Charitable Foundation
30765 Pacific Coast Hwy #113
Malibu, CA 90265 |
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