These days, puppy parents understand the importance of introducing their pup to other dogs in a positive way. This is especially important if the puppy is an only dog, or if his older sibling has -ahem- limited patience for the puppy's antics. But it's also key for puppies who do have playful siblings - can you imagine not befriending people outside your family until you reached adulthood?
During play, puppies develop lifelong social skills, including learning to gracefully take "no" for an answer, and acquiring bite inhibition. This is on TOP of burning off steam, which is key to a puppy family's sanity.
It can be hard to find safe venues for puppy playdates, so look for a class that includes supervised play sessions with a credentialed trainer.
#puppykindergarten #forcefreedogtraining #puppysocialization
CONSENT TESTS
All healthy dog play consists of some combination of biting, pinning, wrestling, chasing, growling, barking, and snarly “game” faces.
Even so, a lot of responsible dog families worry that their playful dog is coming on too strong and either hurting or scaring another dog. It’s a great thing to pay attention to, and other dog families will thank you!
Remember this mantra: fun is in the eye of the beholder. Making sure that both parties are consenting will help you decide whether or not it’s time to intervene.
Let’s say you suspect Dog A of coming on too strong for Dog B. Sometimes Dog A is the bigger, older dog, but sometimes he’s the young puppy who might be terrorizing a resident senior dog with less appetite for rough play. Sometimes these roles change over time, even within a play session! Here’s how you make sure everyone’s doing OK.
Gently restrain Dog A and see how Dog B responds.
* If Dog B comes back for more, you know he’s enjoying it >>> Release Dog A to continue playing.
* If Dog B declines more play and wanders off to take a break, you know he’s done for now >>> Help Dog A find something else to do for a while.
Here you'll see a few consent tests done between two puppies: DeDe the border collie, the bigger, older and more experienced player, and Beck the golden retriever who’s newer on the puppy play scene. Watch how Beck gives a thumbs up to three consent tests, then a thumbs down to the fourth.
(Note: make sure to carefully monitor dogs who are wearing leashes or long lines during play.)
#puppysocialization #puppykindergarten #forcefreedogtraining #forcefreedogtraining
Starting the week off right in the Super Puppy program.
#superpuppy
#puppysocialization
#forcefreedogtraining
Slo-mo corgi puppy Ellie, practicing her rocket recall. Here she’s coming away from (and getting paid with) chicken breast.
Coming when called is best trained early and often, using very high-value food. It can be a life-saving skill!
#superpuppy
#forcefreetraining
#upwardhound
One of the most important things a dog can learn is to return to you promptly when called, even around distractions.
Secrets to a strong recall are 1) pay every single one with lots (and lots! more than that!) of high-value treats, 2) practice in increasingly distracting environments.
Super Puppy Stella will graduate this week. Here she's practicing advanced recall away in a new place, away from new scents. Way to go, Stella! <3
#superpuppy
#forcefreedogtraining
#rocketrecall
#upwardhound
Making yourself smaller and biting with inhibited force are considered self-handicapping, one of the beautiful social skills that puppies can learn during open play.
Given that, I can’t quit watching Otis and Ruby. ❤️
#forcefreedogtraining #puppykindergarten
Our Super Puppy program is lucky to have on staff a professional fear-free groomer to teach young students to LOVE bathing, clipping, and nail trimming.
Super Puppy Rip demonstrates how he likes to relax and eat snacks while his nails are dremeled. No drama, no restraint.
#superpuppy #superpuppytraining #forcefreedogtraining #fearfreegrooming
There are still several slots open in our Fun Agility I class starting January 19.
Five sessions plus some extra practice time with the equipment, classes are held on Wednesdays at 7 pm, indoors in the new training center.
Off-leash play in puppy classes
