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It is general knowledge
that dogs may show behaviours that are considered
genetic traits typical to their breed. So it is quite
normal to expect for a retriever to fetch, a hunting dog
to deal well with the sound of guns, etc. However, it is
not that simple!
Have you never wondered why some dogs get along with
cats and others don’t? Or why do some dogs like people
and other are aggressive towards them? What about those
who love playing with other dogs, whilst others run from
them? Is it all down to genetic traits or are there
other factors that influence these behaviours?
The answer is socialization. Socialization is the most
important process in the life of a dog. It occurs
throughout a very specific time frame, during the 8th
and the 12th week of the puppies’ life, and it is during
this time frame your puppy should be introduced to all
sorts of scenarios and stimuli.
After this time frame the dog will cease responding in
the same manner and will develop emotional responses to
the stimuli that are unknown to him, so it may react
with fear or aggression to new people, or with too much
excitement to others dogs it has never seen before.
Whether your dog is to live in the country or in the
city, it is very important that he gets used to all
sorts of people, animals, dogs, scenarios, noises, etc.,
so that in the future these will become normal and he
won’t develop behaviour problems.
At It’s All About Dogs we have puppy socialization
classes, in which we get all sorts of puppies in the
same age group and create a controlled environment where
your dog will have the chance to play and discover new
environments, people and dogs. These classes are very
important so that your dog grows healthy and free from
behaviour problems.
Puppy socialization classes include:
• How to properly socialize your puppy
• Play time with other puppies and people
• House training guide lines
• How to avoid your puppy chews and destroys
• Bite Inhibition
• Dog Communication Signals (learn what your puppy is “saying”)
• Introduction to clicker training
• Basis for the teaching of sit, down and stand
These classes are first come first serve basis, so
please book in advance.
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