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Expose your dog
... to different people and settings
regularly. Take him to the park, to
the pet store, on a walks through the neighborhood. Praise him for
accepting petting from friendly strangers, and for behaving calmly
around other dogs.
The more your
dog learns about the human made world, the more comfortable he will be
in it.
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Make
introductions to people and pets
Introduce your dog to
your household
slowly. Many pairs of hands petting her
all at once will only
frighten her. Later, introduce her to neighbors, regular visitors and
other family members.
Give
your dog a sense of who your - and your dog's - friends are.
Other
animals ... in your home should also be properly introduced to
your new dog or puppy. Don't expect them to get along right away, and
don't try to force them to play together.
Give them time to adjust to
one another.
Stages of
Social Development |
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Discipline is
critical for your dog's happiness.
Both human and canine
social groups create rules to ensure general well being and survival.
Your dog will be more emotionally balanced and secure if you provide him
with clear
limitations,
rules, and boundaries.
Teach your dog from the beginning what is and is not appropriate behavior. If
something is "OK" today, your puppy will think it's OK forever. Make sure that
every member of the family enforces the house rules.
Consistency
is key.
Whichever method of housetraining you have chosen - crate training,
paper training or litter box - make sure that all members of the family
enforce it consistently.
Accidents
happen, so have a procedure for
clean-up.
Crate Training
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Exercise and
play can save the day.
Dogs, of course, love to play. Set aside time each day for play sessions. Apart
from the obvious benefit of having fun together, play also provides an outlet
for your dog's energy.
Dogs need regular exercise to ensure continuing good health. Take your dog for
walks, run around in the yard, throw a ball around - anything to get him up and
moving. This will benefit his health and
...
reduces many behavior problems.
Agility |
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Be a good pack
leader and take daily walks.
Take your dog on frequent walks.
He will enjoy exploring the neighborhood and will benefit from the
exercise. In the wild, walking is what dog packs do.
Make sure that you have a good strong leash and that you maintain
control of the dog at all times. Leading daily walks is the ideal way to let your
dog know who's boss -
and that boss should be
you.
Your dog will
be able to relax and enjoy life if you establish yourself as the alpha.
Cesar Millan |
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Get out in the
community together.
Include your dog in family activities. Take him to the park or on
outings to the beach, or to special activities such as the "Dog
Olympics" or dog parades. Your dog will love being with
you
"out and about".
Haute Dogs |
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Go on vacations
together.
Dogs can add
another element of fun to a family vacation. Check ahead
for lodging that accepts dogs. If flying, ask about travel
accommodations for your dog when you make your reservations.
Pet's
Welcome
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Prevent or
reduce separation anxiety.
Your dog will want to be with you at all times, but for most people that simply
isn't possible.
Help your dog get
used
to being alone.
Leave him each day
for short periods with a
minimum of fuss. When you come home,
greet him
calmly,
no matter how excited he may be about your return. This will teach him that
your leaving is not something to be concerned about.
Separation Anxiety |
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