Socializing An Adult Dog

The period of socialization for a dog is from birth to 20 weeks of age. During this period we expose the new puppy to adults, children and other dogs in strange new places. If you don't your dog may very well never be socialized and begin to show fear or aggression somewhere between 12 and 24 months of age.

But what if you dog was never socialized to begin with is there any hope of having a friendly well-adjusted dog? Yes and no. There are many factors to consider including the breed, the age and whether or not the dog has already started showing aggression.

Some breeds like Rotties, Dobies, Shepherds and Pits may never be socialized if they missed the 20 week window and have started showing aggression. However even some of those can be taught how to behave and be sociable.

Other breeds like labs, goldens and border collies are normally considered to be friendly dogs and most can be brought around even if they were not socialized by 20 weeks.

Of course the younger the dog is the better socialization will be for an adult dog. Has the dog started showing aggression, if not that is even better and always easier that try to help an aggressive fearful dog.

So how do we socialize these older dogs? Get them out and about. Get them around as many people as possible if they are not aggressive and to new places as well. At the same time that you are socializing the adult dog you should also be doing some good obedience training to establish the dog master relationship so that the dog knows you are the pack leader.

If your dogs have already started showing fear and some aggression you can still get them out so that they get used to having strangers in the area but not right next to them. As the process gets better you can actually move closer and closer to the people. You can make sure that strangers are safe by using a basket muzzle. The basket muzzle will allow your dogs to pant, drink and pick up treats from people that are helping you with this process.

Socialization is important and should continue for the life of the dog. Just remember to do it early if possible for best results.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Socializing-An-Adult-Dog&id=8980745

5 Things Your Dog Wants You To Remember

Whether or not you realize this fact dogs want the same thing that you want, companionship. Yes dogs are pack animals and not only enjoy being with other members of the pack but they absolutely need it to be happy. When you stop and think for a moment humans are the same. Isolation is complete torture for a human and the same for a dog. So as a member of your pack your dog has a few things it hopes you will remember. Lets talk about those things.

1. Let me live where you live please don't ban me to the backyard.

Dogs need and want to be a part of the family. You just can't experience the love that a dog can give if you isolate it in the backyard because then it becomes what I call living lawn furniture. The dog that drives the neighbors crazy with the barking. The next thing that happens is no body even wants to go in the backyard because the dog is crazy and will jump all over you. So let your dog live with you in the house.

2. Spend some quality time with me.

Make a promise to your dog that you will give it a few minutes of one-on-one time every day so you can develop that bond that is so important for the dog master relationship.

3. Train me so you can be proud of me.

This is an important one. Dogs need to be trained. Big dog really need training but the little one need training as well. Training develops the dog master relationship and lets the dog know its place in the pack. Look around well behaved dogs are never a problem. It's the untrained dogs that everybody complains about.

4. Take care of my health so you and I can grow old together.

Just like you, your dogs needs routine visits to the doctor to keep it healthy. Heartworm medication and annual shots are very important. If money is an issue invest in a doggy insurance plan. They can really come in handy when that catastrophic illness happens.

5. Make sure I get exercise it will actually help us both

Exercise is import to keep humans healthy and the same for your dog so take a few minutes everyday to go for a nice long walk to keep your dog happy, healthy and to build much needed serotonin in the brain for his general well being. The added bonus is that you are going to be healthier at the same time. Give it a try you just may enjoy it.

If you will do these few simple things I will be the loyal companion you have always wanted. I'll be there when you don't feel well and even just when you need a friend to listen to you.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Things-Your-Dog-Wants-You-To-Remember&id=8591109