It’s a common scenario.
You’ve just brought home your new puppy. Eight weeks old, all roly-poly fluff and cute as a button.
You’ve heard that puppies need to be “socialized,” and you definitely plan to work on that when you get a chance. Maybe sign up for a class with your local trainer, or start taking her for walks around the neighborhood. But not just yet.
You’ll start when the weather gets warmer. When your work schedule eases up a bit and you have more time. When the kids go back to school. And you want to make sure she’s had all her shots first, right? There will be plenty of time for socializing later.
Wrong.
Unfortunately for many new puppy owners, it’s easy to assume that there’s no need to worry about training or behavior issues at such a young age. I talk to owners about puppy kindergarten classes and socialization during every new puppy exam at our veterinary clinic, and it’s a constant refrain: “Oh, we don’t need to start anything like that yet. She’s doing fine right now, no problems. Maybe when she’s older.”
The fact is, “when she’s older” will be far too late. Scientifically, here’s the reason why: puppies go through a critical socialization period from 6 to 16 weeks of age that will dramatically impact their behavior for the rest of their lives. During this period, their brains are like tiny sponges – soaking up everything they experience and filing it away for the future.
(I should note here that some experts in the field consider the socialization period to end as early as 12 weeks, and there is also some evidence to suggest differences in the optimal socialization window for different breeds – which is a fascinating topic in itself, but beyond the scope of today’s post! Suffice it to say, as a general rule of thumb, 16 weeks is a good estimation.)
Whatever puppies see at this age, they will consider a normal part of life as adults. Kids on bicycles? Fine. People with umbrellas and shiny coats? No problem. Lawnmowers, crying babies, men with beards and hats – for a well-socialized puppy, these things are all a normal part of the world around them.
BUT… beyond 16 weeks, something happens. New things, which before were accepted with cheerful curiosity and a wagging tail, are now met with suspicion. Anything that the pup has not already encountered is automatically assumed to be dangerous and scary – so bicycles, umbrellas, lawnmowers, etc. are now terrifying monsters to be barked at or cowered away from. You may have met adult dogs who are fearful of everyday objects or unfamiliar people; in many cases, this is the end result of poor socialization during this all-important period.
This is actually a pretty staggering fact – nothing “bad” has to happen at all. A simple lack of exposure at the right time can result in an adult dog who is unable to cope with normal life. And in practice, this is one of the saddest things I see.
Why are dogs wired this way? From an evolutionary standpoint, in the wild, having a short window of time for accepting new things makes a lot of survival sense. For wolves, coyotes, and foxes (the domestic dog’s closest wild relatives) as well as for feral dogs living on their own, odds are high that anything truly “new” is bad news – something that may hurt or kill them.
Thus, there’s an expiration date on how long the canine brain is open to novel experiences. An adult wolf or coyote that happily walks up to unfamiliar things (like other predators, cars, or even humans) won’t survive long. Even though our pet dogs lead comparatively protected lives with little to fear from their environment, they have inherited this hard-wired behavior pattern from their more cautious ancestors. This is why no amount of cajoling and coaxing can convince a poorly socialized adolescent dog that a plastic bag blowing across the parking lot is no big deal – to her, escaping from it or defending herself is a matter of life or death.
So when should you start actively socializing your puppy? Right now. As soon as possible. From the very first day your new pup comes home, the clock is ticking.
Now, one final caveat… what about vaccines? You may have heard that your puppy should not go anywhere until she’s had all of her shots.
You should absolutely be careful! Diseases like parvo, distemper, and others can be deadly, and are unfortunately common in many areas. But consider this – your puppy will not be fully vaccinated until after she’s 4-5 months old. If you wait until then, you’ve already missed your opportunity.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) feels so strongly about this issue that they published a position statement on puppy socialization in 2008, stressing that owners should be introducing their puppies to new places, people and other dogs prior to completing their vaccination series. In particular, they strongly recommend beginning puppy kindergarten classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age.
So, what does this mean for you? It means to be smart about where you take your puppy before she’s fully vaccinated. I normally recommend avoiding places like dog parks, pet stores, and high-traffic public areas where lots of strange dogs are walked. Instead, visit friends with healthy, vaccinated pets. Go for car rides – visit McDonalds, Starbucks, or the drive-thru lane at your bank or pharmacy. Walk your pup around the block to meet your neighbors. Invite the kids playing outside to say hello.
Just do it before 16 weeks of age. Someday, when she’s a happy, well-adjusted adult, your puppy will thank you for it.
About the author: Dr Jen Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA is a vet in Huntington, West Virginia. You can see her blog here: www.drjensdogblog.com
For more information on socializing your puppy go to: http://dogtrainingblogger.com/what-dog-breeders-dont-tell-you-about-socialization.html
Wayne Booth created this blog site to give you information on dog training, behavior and health. This blog was started for his dog training clients and has grown to a blog for dog owners and trainers all over the world. Read More…
4 Common Doggie Myths Debunked
in Uncategorized/by Wayne BoothEver heard someone say something about dogs and wonder if it’s really true? Maybe you aren’t quite sure about this whole dog thing and want to get some answers on some common misunderstandings all of us have thought about dogs from time to time. Well, today, I’m going to talk about common misunderstandings between dogs and their people. Check them out below.
“All dogs are the same. It doesn’t matter what kind you get.”
This can’t be farther from the truth. A great example of how untrue this is can be found in how many dogs are brought home that are not suited to the lifestyle of their new owner. This is an epidemic, and one visit to the animal shelter will show you just how often it happens. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen someone with a 600 square foot apartment and busy lifestyle get a border collie (which are typically high energy, working class dogs). Be realistic. If you don’t see yourself exercising your border collie for (at the very least) an hour a day rigorously, putting in hours upon hours of training, and investing in new things for your dog to do, don’t bring home that high energy, working class dog. Understand that every dog breed has its own set of unique needs that you will need to take into account before deciding to bring it home.
“All dogs need is food and water; that’s it.”
While this is true as far as the basic, mandatory needs your dog has to live, dogs actually need a lot more than those two things alone. Like people, dogs need to be exercised daily, taught manners, and mentally stimulated. Without these things, you’re setting your dog up to be difficult to deal with, which makes the long term relationship you’ll have with your dog harder than it has to be. Do a lot of research on what it takes to have a healthy and balanced dog before you get one. It’ll set you and your dog up for a long, successful life together.
“My dog doesn’t need any obedience training.”
Obedience training is important because there’s nothing more frustrating than an ill-behaved dog you can’t take anywhere, or worse, an ill-behaved dog that is a danger to yourself or others. Please understand that your dog is a product of the time and training you pour into them, and that you are their best shot at having a good reputation. It’s not fair to confine your dog to your home all day, every day because you can’t take them anywhere due to their lack of training. If anything, teaching your dog proper manners is the best gift you could ever give to your furry friend, even if it’s simple like not jumping people, being gentle with children, and taking treats gently. Every little bit helps!
“My dog did that just to spite me.”
Dogs live in the present and aren’t capable of keeping grudges against people, which is why they have a famous reputation for being very forgiving. If you forgot to feed your dog breakfast, your dog isn’t going to turn around and poop on the floor just to “make you pay.” Chances are, they pooped on the floor for a variety of other reasons, like lack of potty training, skipped a needed potty break outside, marking behaviors, etc. I can assure you that spite is definitely not one of them. If anything, when a dog misbehaves, it’s simply a miscommunication in expectations between you and your dog.
Hope this is helpful and thanks for reading!
About the author: Hannah Croscutt is a dog lover from Atlanta, Ga. She enjoys learning all about dogs from her furry buddy, Piper. She blogs at http://thefurryteacher.wordpress.com.
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Do you need help training your dog? We can help. If you are in , Chattanooga, TN, Clarksville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Huntsville, AL and Indianapolis, IN visit our website and give us a call.
If you have an aggressive dog please be sure to visit www.DogAggressionExperts.com for help…
Please remember we can help you with dog training or problem solving no matter where you are located. In fact we have clients all over the U.S. simply visit for more information and the give us a call.
Until next time,
P.S. Do you need some advice from a Canine Behavior Specialist? If so CLICK HERE now!
About Wayne: Wayne Booth is owner of which is headquartered in Nashville, TN but serves clients all over the U.S.. If you have a dog with aggression, behavior problems or simply needs training feel free to contact him.
Wayne has also been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network. If you would like to become a Professional Dog Trainer he can get you started.
Does You Dog Need A Canine Behavior Specialist?
in Uncategorized/by Wayne BoothDog training is a great idea whenever you bring a new canine friend into the house. While it is quite effective for many animals and can help them to become well adjusted and well behaved members of the family, sometimes it is not enough. When behaviors are out of control and cannot be managed by training an animal to respond to simple commands and respect the pack leadership, sometimes hiring a canine behavioral specialist is the solution.
A canine behavior specialist is an individual who has participated in extensive training to understand the behaviors and associated actions for all breeds of dogs. Rather than just train an animal to respond to a basic command, these individuals get to know the dog, try to understand how his past might have contributed to his current actions and assist owners in working through these behaviors so the dog can develop new, more acceptable skills and better acclimate into the family unit.
A canine behavior specialist consultation can be especially beneficial for rescues. These dogs sometimes come from abusive or neglectful backgrounds, or they might have spent years of their life not interacting with humans at all. Owners who adopt may know little or nothing about the dog’s past, and that past might be contributing to his unruly or disrespectful behavior or actions such as chewing, pacing, barking inappropriately or being overly possessive of food. When a behavior specialist comes to understand the reason behind the dog’s actions, it is often easier for that individual to find gentle ways to correct the behavior and teach the dog new habits.
Behavior specialists are also great options for dog owners who have reached the end of their leash. Rather than giving up on the dog and sending him to the pound, consulting with a professional can offer a better solution. The behavioral specialist will work with both the dog and the family so that everyone comes to understand what needs to be done to see positive changes and turn the dog into a more appreciated member of the family.
When aggression becomes an issue with your dog you need a canine behavior specialist. You would not go to a general doctor when you had cancer, you would seek the expertise of a specialist like an oncologist. The same goes for aggression you need a specialist not just a dog trainer.
Dogs are wonderful companions, but they need to be trained appropriately in order to learn to live in human households. When training simply doesn’t work, a dog behavioral specialist is often the solution to turn to. Doings this gives many dogs a new leash on life and helps owners to better understand their furry friends.
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Do you need help solving some behavior issues with your dog? We can help. If you are in , Chattanooga, TN, Clarksville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Huntsville, AL, Birmingham, AL, Indianapolis, IN and Corpus Christi, TX visit our website and give us a call.
If you have an aggressive dog please be sure to visit www.DogAggressionExperts.com for help…
Please remember we can help you with dog training or problem solving no matter where you are located. In fact we have clients all over the U.S. simply visit for more information and the give us a call.
Until next time,
P.S. Do you need some advice from a Canine Behavior Specialist? If so CLICK HERE now!
About Wayne: Wayne Booth is owner of which is headquartered in Nashville, TN but serves clients all over the U.S.. If you have a dog with aggression, behavior problems or simply needs training feel free to contact him.
Wayne has also been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network. If you would like to become a Professional Dog Trainer he can get you started.
Dogs and Kids: How to Keep Them Both Happy
in Uncategorized/by Wayne BoothContribution from freelance writer Jenny Holt.
Being kind to others is an essential life skill which all parents should teach their children. It’s important not to forget animals though – they are just as deserving of kindness and respect as people. Having an animal in the family can be great fun for children, and really helps to develop their ability to care and empathize. However, it is essential to make sure both children and pets are taught some basic ground rules, so that everyone feels comfortable and stays safe.
Understanding One Another
Young children are the most likely family member to be bitten by their dog, but this is mainly down to a lack of understanding. Children interact with dogs differently to adults – they are louder and are often more physical in showing affection. While this might be seen as cute, it can be stressful for dogs, who just like humans, do not have an endless supply of patience. Learn to recognize the signs of an irritated, anxious, or scared dog, and teach these to your kids – this is when a dog is most likely to snap, so make sure they know to back off.
Ground Rules
Children will copy and learn from how adults act around them, so always set a good example. Be polite to your dog, and make sure your children treat them like a person rather than a toy. Just as people do not like to be disturbed when they are sleeping, dogs prefer to rest uninterrupted. Designate a “safe space” for your dog, probably his crate or basket, and teach your kids not to bother him when he’s there. Your dog will quickly learn that if he wants to be left alone, this is where to go.
Fun and Games
Some simple games can also help to enforce good behavior on both sides. A game of fetch is fun for everyone, but make sure your kids know that, like if they were playing with other children, snatching toys isn’t okay. Equally, your dog should be well-trained to give up a toy gently and without acting possessive. Involving your child in the dog’s care and training is a great way to encourage empathy and understanding on both sides: your child will become more familiar with your dog’s behavior and what games he likes, and your dog will associate your child with fun, treats, and positive experiences, and be more tolerant of them.
Wayne Booth the Dog Training Blogger, Author at
in Uncategorized/by Wayne BoothA great article from our friends at https://mtjulietdogtrainer.com
It is always upsetting and shocking when your dog starts showing symptoms of aggression. This aggression may be directed at other dogs, or other individuals are even yourself, it is essential to take care of it as soon as possible. Dogs are incredibly powerful creatures that can create a huge amount of harm and injury. [Read more…]
This article is from our friends in Chattanooga, TN at https://YourChattanoogaDogTrainer.com
In this article, I want to address the new dog owner. I mean, the new dog owner that has never owned a dog before or it has been many years since owning your last dog. [Read more…]
Simply put the answer is YES, usually, most of the time, but not always. Is that answer confusing, if so keep reading? The odds of the success you can have with rehabilitating a dog is good enough that you certainly need to give your dog a chance. [Read more…]
This article is from guest writer Zara Lewis.
If your little ones have been bothering you about getting a dog, you should give it some thought. Not only will you all have a new furry family member, but your children will also reap numerous benefits. There are actually more than a few positive sides to getting a pet for your kids, so don’t say no just yet. [Read more…]
This article is from guest writer Zara Lewis.
Any pet owner who’s ever been on vacation knows the hassle of trying to find someone to take care of their pet, and the general anxiety as you start missing them as soon as you arrive at the hotel. [Read more…]
I found this article by Jeremy Harrison and wanted to bring it to you since this has become a very big issue. [Read more…]
If you have a dog that is showing aggression you need Canine Behavior Specialists because we have the expertise that you and your dog need to solve these aggression issues. [Read more…]
Purple Pawz recently sent me an offer to primarily test their new dog car seat cover on amazon.com. There was no regret for accepting this offer. Both the design and function of the company’s dog seat cover exceeded my expectation. I recommend this product for people with pets or small children in their homes. FOR A SPECIAL OFFER [Read more…]
Contribution from freelance writer Jenny Holt
Do you dread leaving your dog at home while you go out to have fun? Millions of people have this same feeling and have therefore created dog-friendly festivals so that your four-legged friend can hang out with your two-legged friends. You’ll never have to leave him home alone again. [Read more…]
The Perfect Seat Cover For Your Dog!
in Uncategorized/by Wayne BoothPurple Pawz recently sent me an offer to primarily test their new dog car seat cover on amazon.com. There was no regret for accepting this offer. Both the design and function of the company’s dog seat cover exceeded my expectation. I recommend this product for people with pets or small children in their homes. FOR A SPECIAL OFFER
Here are some of my comments about this fantastic seat cover:
The Purple Paws backseat pet cover is a quick, easy installation, and well made for its price point. The connection straps are easy to adjust and the clips are easily manipulated for connection and disconnection to make room for people passengers. The seat coverage is thorough including side panels that hang down to protect the sides during pet entry and exit. The Purple Paws cover also has a Velcro opening to access seat belts through the cover when needed.
I’ve found the cover to stay in place well due to the anchors that can be tucked into the crease where the car seat meets the seat back. The material is lightweight, which shouldn’t be a problem for most dogs, especially if they are harnessed using the harness connectors that come with the seat cover. The material does boast a water resistant underside for extra seat protection.
The best-selling feature is the price point. This cover has all the convenient features that one looks for but provides them at an accessible price point. If you are looking for a seat cover that is easy to install and remove as your passenger needs change, this is a great option.
The company would love to offer my valued followers (you) their Special Launch Discount that will be active for only 24 hours from today. Watch the below video and wait until the end where it has the discount code. Make sure you don’t miss out on this deal. You won’t regret this purchase!
Socializing Your Puppy: Why “LATER” Is Too Late
in Uncategorized/by Wayne BoothIt’s a common scenario.
You’ve just brought home your new puppy. Eight weeks old, all roly-poly fluff and cute as a button.
You’ve heard that puppies need to be “socialized,” and you definitely plan to work on that when you get a chance. Maybe sign up for a class with your local trainer, or start taking her for walks around the neighborhood. But not just yet.
You’ll start when the weather gets warmer. When your work schedule eases up a bit and you have more time. When the kids go back to school. And you want to make sure she’s had all her shots first, right? There will be plenty of time for socializing later.
Wrong.
Unfortunately for many new puppy owners, it’s easy to assume that there’s no need to worry about training or behavior issues at such a young age. I talk to owners about puppy kindergarten classes and socialization during every new puppy exam at our veterinary clinic, and it’s a constant refrain: “Oh, we don’t need to start anything like that yet. She’s doing fine right now, no problems. Maybe when she’s older.”
The fact is, “when she’s older” will be far too late. Scientifically, here’s the reason why: puppies go through a critical socialization period from 6 to 16 weeks of age that will dramatically impact their behavior for the rest of their lives. During this period, their brains are like tiny sponges – soaking up everything they experience and filing it away for the future.
(I should note here that some experts in the field consider the socialization period to end as early as 12 weeks, and there is also some evidence to suggest differences in the optimal socialization window for different breeds – which is a fascinating topic in itself, but beyond the scope of today’s post! Suffice it to say, as a general rule of thumb, 16 weeks is a good estimation.)
Whatever puppies see at this age, they will consider a normal part of life as adults. Kids on bicycles? Fine. People with umbrellas and shiny coats? No problem. Lawnmowers, crying babies, men with beards and hats – for a well-socialized puppy, these things are all a normal part of the world around them.
BUT… beyond 16 weeks, something happens. New things, which before were accepted with cheerful curiosity and a wagging tail, are now met with suspicion. Anything that the pup has not already encountered is automatically assumed to be dangerous and scary – so bicycles, umbrellas, lawnmowers, etc. are now terrifying monsters to be barked at or cowered away from. You may have met adult dogs who are fearful of everyday objects or unfamiliar people; in many cases, this is the end result of poor socialization during this all-important period.
This is actually a pretty staggering fact – nothing “bad” has to happen at all. A simple lack of exposure at the right time can result in an adult dog who is unable to cope with normal life. And in practice, this is one of the saddest things I see.
Why are dogs wired this way? From an evolutionary standpoint, in the wild, having a short window of time for accepting new things makes a lot of survival sense. For wolves, coyotes, and foxes (the domestic dog’s closest wild relatives) as well as for feral dogs living on their own, odds are high that anything truly “new” is bad news – something that may hurt or kill them.
Thus, there’s an expiration date on how long the canine brain is open to novel experiences. An adult wolf or coyote that happily walks up to unfamiliar things (like other predators, cars, or even humans) won’t survive long. Even though our pet dogs lead comparatively protected lives with little to fear from their environment, they have inherited this hard-wired behavior pattern from their more cautious ancestors. This is why no amount of cajoling and coaxing can convince a poorly socialized adolescent dog that a plastic bag blowing across the parking lot is no big deal – to her, escaping from it or defending herself is a matter of life or death.
So when should you start actively socializing your puppy? Right now. As soon as possible. From the very first day your new pup comes home, the clock is ticking.
Now, one final caveat… what about vaccines? You may have heard that your puppy should not go anywhere until she’s had all of her shots.
You should absolutely be careful! Diseases like parvo, distemper, and others can be deadly, and are unfortunately common in many areas. But consider this – your puppy will not be fully vaccinated until after she’s 4-5 months old. If you wait until then, you’ve already missed your opportunity.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) feels so strongly about this issue that they published a position statement on puppy socialization in 2008, stressing that owners should be introducing their puppies to new places, people and other dogs prior to completing their vaccination series. In particular, they strongly recommend beginning puppy kindergarten classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age.
So, what does this mean for you? It means to be smart about where you take your puppy before she’s fully vaccinated. I normally recommend avoiding places like dog parks, pet stores, and high-traffic public areas where lots of strange dogs are walked. Instead, visit friends with healthy, vaccinated pets. Go for car rides – visit McDonalds, Starbucks, or the drive-thru lane at your bank or pharmacy. Walk your pup around the block to meet your neighbors. Invite the kids playing outside to say hello.
Just do it before 16 weeks of age. Someday, when she’s a happy, well-adjusted adult, your puppy will thank you for it.
About the author: Dr Jen Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA is a vet in Huntington, West Virginia. You can see her blog here: www.drjensdogblog.com
For more information on socializing your puppy go to: http://dogtrainingblogger.com/what-dog-breeders-dont-tell-you-about-socialization.html