Talk to Your Puppy - it's all part of socialization

Posted by Clare Bristow | 4 Comments

zoe-the-schnauzer People often tell me they believe Zoe knows exactly what's being said in a conversation, and to a certain extent I think she does.

I'm sure it's because I always tell her what we are doing and where we are going - even Fritz picks up on certain words now, though I think he takes his lead from Zoe! I don't use long sentences, just specific phrases.

Dogs, particularly puppies, love to hear the sound of your voice and by talking to them they feel included in what you are doing - it's all part of bonding and [tag]socialization[/tag]. Having said that, try not to talk incessantly to your dog because he will tune out and won't be paying attention when you do ask him to do something important!

Here are some words and phrases, together with their meanings, I routinely use and which are now part of Zoe's vocabulary:

Inside and Outside - when we go into and out of the house;
Upstairs and Downstairs - when we go up and down the stairs;
Kitchen, Lounge, Hall, Bedroom - the 4 main rooms she goes into;
Grooming - time for grooming;
Where's Susan - go and find Susan (plus a growing number of other names); and
Let's play and enough - the start and end of playtime;

You'll be surprised at how quickly your dog picks up on words and phrases, particularly if you use the same intonation each time you say the word - and it's fun to do too.

What's most important though is that people will compliment you on having such an intelligent and sociable dog - and what dog owner doesn't feel proud of their dog when they are told that?

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe to the Dog Topics feed to be notified every time a new post is added to this blog.

Keywords: bonding with puppy, socialization

Filed Under Puppy Socialization, Blog

How to Get Your Puppy Used to Being Handled

Posted by Clare Bristow | 1 Comment

dog-being-examined Getting your puppy used to be being handled is an important part of puppy socialization . There will be numerous occasions in his life when he will be handled by people other than his owner - examples being your vet, dog groomers, and when he stays at the dog kennels.

It's a straightforward lesson to teach to your new puppy and it doubles as a quick health examination too.

After nearly three years together, Zoe, Fritz and I still spend 5 minutes doing this exercise at the end of the day. They are reminded it's OK for people to handle them, and I get to check for any unusual lumps and bumps and anything unpleasant stuck to their coat and paws. It also bring the three of us that bit closer together.

Click to Continue Reading —>

Keywords: handling your puppy, monitor dogs health, puppy care, puppy care tips, puppy socialization

Filed Under Puppy Socialization, Blog