Back to basics - beginners guide to socialisation
Back to basics – lets talk about the idea of socialisation for our dogs.
Over the past few months, we have heard more and more that the dogs that were born during Covid-19 have suffered. They have had no chance to socialise, can’t be left alone or will not allow visitors into the home. When they see other dogs, they just want to go over and see them and when we restrict them, they bark out of pure frustration.
Sadly, with many dogs this is true, but I am little worried that all those dedicated owners who have tried their best to do right by their dogs are being told they haven’t done it right! When you have a dog, you need to have confidence to be able to teach and guide them, but if you are constantly being told that you are doing it wrong, many will just give up. I have lost count of the number owners who come to see me who the first thing they say is, well its all my fault, I didn’t socialise my dog or something else. Well, I think it is time to stop the blame game – many of us didn’t have a choice, so let’s stop this culture of it being someone’s fault and start helping each other out.
If you have a dog that is good with others, maybe you can help a neighbour who is struggling, by walking with your dog on a lead alongside and giving both dog and owner confidence.
If your dog is well behaved and you see someone else with their dog straining on a lead, then help by moving your dog away and not let it worry the dog on a lead. Throw them a smile and move away.
If your dog is a menace to other dogs, then keep it on a lead or long line and keep it under control. Contact me to help you with that recall.
There are many, many dogs that now wear yellow “anxious dog” coats and leads, who need space, so help these owners by being responsible and keep your dog away or on lead.
Your dog should be under control and if you cannot walk it on lead without it pulling, then you should find a trainer to help you. My dog is not here to entertain your dog, be jumped all over or chased and the excuse that your dog doesn’t like being on its lead, is no excuse.
This is what I think socialisation means:
Walking on a loose lead past other dogs without reacting.
Playing nicely with another dog – with plenty of give and take and be willing to come away immediately when called.
Allow other dogs to pass by with no reaction.
Settle quietly at owner’s feet, while they stop and talk.
Accept visitors to the home/garden or settle quietly away from them with no reaction.
Still looking for help? Then why not join our next back to basics – socialisation for beginners course which starts in June. Contact me today for more information or check out the details on our packages page.
