| Dogs, just like humans, display a wide range of | | | | knock one another over and even lightly bite legs |
| tolerance for others. Some are immediately | | | | and necks. Stay nearby and be prepared to grab |
| friendly with every new dog, mouse or bird. | | | | them, if necessary. Leather gloves may be useful |
| Others are forever unfriendly to even the | | | | during these first attempts. |
| opposite sex of their own breed. Considering that | | | | If your dog continually barks, distract them with a |
| dogs are by nature territorial, the diversity is odd, | | | | treat, a toy or a sharp command. If they still |
| but there it is. | | | | refuse to stop pulling or barking after a few |
| Naturally, animal lovers like to have more than one | | | | attempts at control, try another day. What works |
| dog around and sometimes several breeds and | | | | will differ widely depending on the individual dog |
| other pets. Guaranteeing that furniture stays | | | | and some will simply never put up with others |
| intact and bodies unscathed can be somewhat of | | | | (just like some humans we all know). You'll figure |
| a challenge. And don't forget about your neighbor's | | | | out over time what works and what doesn't as |
| pets or nearby critters that wander into your | | | | you observe your dog interacting with others. |
| dog's territory where your yard, not to mention | | | | It might be necessary to put the dog on its back, |
| your sanity, can be at a very real risk. | | | | then hold it down with a firm hand on the chest. |
| The initial step is to begin the process of | | | | In more difficult cases a bark or shout into the |
| socializing your dog as early as feasible. Just like | | | | face of the dog is helpful. Yes, you will look like a |
| young children, puppies are much more accepting | | | | nut to others, but this technique is even |
| of strangers. Since they haven't yet distinguished | | | | employed by the Monks of New Skeet. The |
| between friend and enemy, everything is a new | | | | brothers of this upper New York State religious |
| experience to be explored rather than alarmed by | | | | order are world-renown for their German |
| or chased. | | | | Shepherd raising practices. |
| If you just have one dog, expose the puppy | | | | Rescued or animal shelter dogs usually need extra |
| early on to other dogs and people. Get them | | | | patience when socializing. These animals have |
| comfortable with being touched, especially | | | | often been abused by people or injured by other |
| between the toes, in the ears and near the eyes. | | | | dogs. Those experiences naturally many times |
| Along with impact on interaction with animals, that | | | | lead to aggression or fear. Remarkable |
| will make visits to the vet and outings a lot easier. | | | | transformations can take place even in these |
| Dogs, typically, sniff everything. When they're | | | | dogs, however. After continual exposure they |
| about to interact with another, manage them until | | | | often learn to at least tolerate other people and |
| you are confident they won't chase or fight, and | | | | animals. |
| only then let them explore the other dog, cat or | | | | Start socializing early, expose for short intervals |
| animal. | | | | increasing to longer ones, repeat as needed. In |
| If the dog displays a tendency to jump or bite, | | | | each instance, be prepared to physically and |
| put up with it to the point someone is going to | | | | mentally control the dog. |
| get injured. It's normal for dogs to rough house, | | | | |