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PUPPY SOCIALISATION.
One
of the most interesting and rewarding programs that have been
developed over the
years is the Puppy Socialisation Program
introduced by Obedience and Kennel Clubs alike.
These
programs were introduced to help us understand the basic fundamentals
and complexity of our canine companions.
When introducing
a new puppy into your home it is important that you understand
the reason he does those annoying things and more importantly
the manner and approach you adopt in the correction process.
The interaction between puppies in these classes gives
them opportunity to relax and socialise when they come
into contact with dogs of different breeds, colours and temperaments.
The interaction will enable them to adapt to the
new world outside of the whelping box, where those little annoying
traits and problems have been allowed to develop.
Puppy Socialisation Programs should cover all those things
that a pup needs to know, from going for a visit to the veterinarian
to being groomed to introducing of a new baby member of the
family. These occasions are meant to be in a relaxed and enjoyable
atmosphere. Remember the effort that you put in at the beginning
will give you continued pleasure in the future. When you
take your new puppy home, you cannot expect that the family
life you introduce him to will cover all those unexpected problems
that will occur during his life. The manner with which you deal
with particular incidents when they arise will be the basis
of how your puppy will fit into society and your family.
The social interaction of these programs will also prepare
the puppy for the more serious training that will come later.
Training
...
Obedience training is the basis upon which all canine activities
are based, be it for conformation, tracking, endurance or agility,
and it is also used in the services.
Obedience clubs have qualified instructors who have trained
for many years and may have even competed in trials for a number
of years. These instructors have completed an evaluation program
set out by their controlling body and have gained recognition
as qualified obedience instructors. These instructors then pass
on their knowledge to other instructors of the club and those
wishing to aspire to that level.
The training of your
dog should commence after your pups socialisation program or
from approximately six months of age. The training program with
most clubs will cover the areas from the basics, up to and including
competition level. The clubs conducting these classes work with
a set program, which progresses you and your dog up the training
ladder. You may even like to go just for the socialisation benefits
to your dog.
Most of the programs start with basic
on lead heeling exercises and associated exercises such as standing,
sitting and examination. This will be followed by more advanced
heeling including heeling off the lead and with the dog sitting
free of the lead at varying distances. The examination exercise
will cover the areas as per conformation (required if you wish
to show your dog) and obedience-the purpose of the exercise
is for the dog to show no undue resentment or shyness whilst
being examined.
Dog aggression should not be tolerated
under any circumstances and if present should be evaluated by
the senior instructor of the club or by an appropriately accredited
person.
As you continue through the various classes
it will become one of the most satisfying and rewarding experience
you have embarked upon. To see that once unruly and disobedient
dog develop into a companion with whom you can walk down the
street and have the public express and make comment on their
behaviour is truly rewarding and on many occasions encourages
others to take up dog obedience training
Many of the
local councils have obedience clubs in their area and in the
first instance you should make contact with them, alternatively
you should contact your states canine control council for further
information on clubs in you area.
Check out our
Clubs
listing for
an Obedience Club near you.
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