Puppy Training 101

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puppy training

Puppy Socialization: The Most Important Training You’ll Ever Do

For most puppy owners, house training, biting and chewing, and basic manners are top the list of puppy concerns. But for dog trainers, it’s all about socialization. Socialization is the process by  which we systematically teach puppies to love the world around them — to  enjoy meeting new people and making new dog friends, to get along with the cat, ignore backfiring cars, and generally be easy-going about new  places, experiences, and situations.

THE LIGHTBULB BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR PUP'S PSYCHE

 

Go From:

  • House-training woes
  • Punctured clothing and skin
  • Chewed shoes, furniture, and treasured belongings
  • Disrupted Sleep Patterns
  • Exhaustion and Frustration
    (Aren't we GLAD they're ADORABLE?)

 To: 

  • Enjoying a calmer puppy who knows where to potty
  • How to keep their mouth to themselves and their toys
  • Who can sleep through the night and self-soothe
  • Responds to basic manners and cues that will grow up into a healthy and relaxed adult dog that you can take anywhere!

But my puppy is already so friendly

Socialization probably sounds silly on the surface—your puppy is a friendly bundle of silly at the moment. It’s hard to imagine her growing  up into a fearful or aggressive dog. And yet, shelters around the country are full of fearful and aggressive dogs who missed proper puppy socialization to help them become laid back adult companions.

The risks of under-socialization

Your pup’s brain is hardwired to be accepting of new things. But as he/she grows up, that openness will dwindle. It's genes will tell it to be  wary of anything it hasn’t already had plenty of positive experience  with. If it hasn’t met lots of dogs while on leash, that could translate to leash reactivity or aggression. If it hasn’t spent time around children, it may become fearful or aggressive when little ones are around. If it hasn’t spent time in loud, busy urban environments it may be unable to relax and enjoy them with you as an adult.

For these reasons, I build plenty of socialization into every puppy training plan — along with all the things on your goal list. 

And if you’re particularly busy and find it difficult to get your pup out into the world on a daily basis, I highly recommend choosing the Premiere Support option so I can help get as much socialization done for you as possible.

Dr. Mandy Meyk

Dr. Mandy Meyk, an esteemed mental health professional, excels in aiding human and canine patients to achieve optimal wellness. Her global education spans Harvard Medical Center, University of Turin, Liberty University, and the University of Arkansas. Holding Bachelor's degrees in Microbiology (Animal Sciences) and Clinical Psychology, a Master's in Counseling, and a Psyc.D. in Mental Health Clinic Development, she is well-versed in diverse fields. Certified by TAAB and The CCS, her expertise extends to animal behavior. Dr. Meyk's empathetic approach and rapport-building skills resonate with patients. Proficient in cutting-edge behavioral treatments and tech, she prioritizes staying updated in her field. Revered by peers and patients for her dedication, she's a prolific author in mental and medical journals. Mentorship is vital; hence she dedicates 400+ hours annually to interns, shaping the future of mental health care.

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