RAISING AND SOCIALIZING

When you take your new puppy home from the breeder, the next few months are the most important time in a dogs life. The bonding and imprinting stage for a puppy starts around seven weeks and continues through the first six months.

When your new dog comes home it is important to develop a bond between man and canine. Your new dog still caries some of the traits from the wild canids ( dogs) his genetic makeup is not vary far removed from dogs of yesteryear. He still posses the ability to hunt for food, find shelter, defend him self from attack as well as to communicate amongst a pack of other dogs. Your job as his owner is to develop your self as the PACK LEADER. The provider of food and shelter, and his protector. A good pack leader is patient but firm with the pup, the pack leader does set rules ( NO Jumping) boundaries ( Not allowed on the bed or furniture) Limitations ( working / playing) etc. As a pack leader you will need to take the pup out to meet new people, smell and hear many new things, and to socialize around other dogs. A well socialized dog is playful and curious not scared or aggressive.

During the first year it is important to develop trust, respect, manners, and discipline along side affection. You will need to balance affection with discipline. Your dog will need to know how to get affection and why he is rewarded and to understand why he gets disciplined for unwanted behaviors. Mother dogs does start the litter of pups off this way so when you take charge you need to become the leader of the pack and not a member of the pack.

Raising and socializing is a Dailey job. It requires a committed and conscious effort from you and your family. Children are great for helping pups become comfortable around people but children usually don’t discipline correctly when and if the dogs needs it.

Enroll your dog in a puppy class at a breeders club, or a pet store. This will help you develop a happy and socially acceptable puppy.

Roger Hess