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We cannot stress enough how important it is to socialize puppies!
The facts are this:
1. An under socialized dog often becomes fearful of anything new, such as people, dogs, places, anything.
2. An under socialized dog will show behavior such as: excessive barking, anxiety, dog aggression, fear, and hyperactivity.
3. A well socialized dog is confident around people and other dogs and does not display anxiety in new situations.
There are several ways to begin to socialize your puppy.
1. Find a puppy "kindergarten" class in your area. They are more readily available than in the past. Pet Smart stores offer classes if you cannot find other classes in your area. These classes bring together new puppies and new people in a dog-friendly environment. You really receive a lot for a minimal tuition fee. Make sure your puppy has received the necessary shots before beginning class.
2. Think about other safe places you could take your puppy that also fit in with your life style. Visit friends or relatives for a brief time. If you are gone for long periods during the day, leave the radio or TV on and have toys that can be stuffed with little food treats.
Building self-confidence and teaching a puppy to do different things reinforce each other. The more confidence a puppy has the better they learn. Simple "pre training" activities can be added to socialization.
For example,
1. puppies should become comfortable wearing a buckle collar at about eight weeks of age. Please check the collar as they will out grow them and the collar will become too tight around their neck. Do not use choke-chain collars on your puppy! And we do not recommend ever using them on Lhasa Apsos!
2. After the puppy becomes accustomed to a collar you can introduce a light weight leash. Thick leashes, of either cotton or leather are too stiff and heavy. Chain leashes are also unacceptable. Just clip the leash to the collar and when the puppy starts walking, go his way. Stop, praise the puppy and discontinue the lesson.
3. Keep training sessions short and positive! You can place a bit of food on your finger as "bait" . Pureed baby food such as turkey or a little liverwurst works well. Show the puppy the food, let them eat it and as soon as they become eager for more walk ahead with the leash in your hand. Call the puppy, pull gently on the leash, show them or let them smell the bait on your finger. As soon as they come to you give them the treat.
After the puppy has mastered walking on the leash for a short distance, you can begin to increase the distance. It is important to remember that emotionally and psychologically, the puppy is extremely sensitive. This means that while learning takes place quickly, fear can also occur easily and will wipe out the positive lessons learned. Puppies cannot take pressure or harsh treatment.
Repetition and positive reinforcement is the key.
Puppies learn to do things in a step-by-step manner. If you keep the lessons simple, brief, and positive, the puppy will be eager to learn and ready for more complicated training as he gets older.
If you follow these steps you will be well on the way to building a good puppy-person relationship and the added reward of having a well socialized, trained and happy pet.
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