Key Topics for Dog Guardians
Puppy Socialization
The socialization window in puppies closes around 14 weeks of age. This is a time when puppies need to have positive and passive exposure to the aspects of life they’ll be expected to cope with as they mature into adults. Insufficient socialization during this crucial developmental stage can stunt your dog’s social skills with people and dogs, and make him fearful of new situations. A fearful dog might be motivated to defend himself from things he finds scary, which is one way aggression can develop.
Adolescence
Adolescence in dogs runs from about 6 to 18 months. These doggy teenagers are frequently surrendered to shelters because they have poorer impulse control, tend to get excited easily, jump up, chew, mouth (teeth on humans), and have almost adult dog bodies. Adolescence is a developmental stage in the dog that passes and with it naturally go some of these undesirable behaviors. Exercise, appropriate chew options, play time with other dogs, and some training go a long way!
Exercise
Here in Santa Cruz County, dog guardians tend to be exceptionally good at exercising their dogs! We like to be active outside and our dogs can join us! It is common on modern U.S. culture, though, for people to seriously underestimate how much exercise their dogs need. Most dogs will not get enough exercise just being unattended in a yard. A 30-minute walk is an “exercise appetizer” for most young dogs. Cue the increasing popularity of dog trainers! A lot of problematic behavior can be prevented and significantly decreased if a dog gets sufficient daily exercise. The adage “A tired dog is a good dog” frequently rings true!
Management
Management is physically preventing undesirable behavior from happening. It is the easiest way to solve some behavior challenges! Frustrated with your dog for tearing the trash apart across your kitchen AGAIN? You can pick up the smelly trash while cursing your dog under your breath (or not so quietly) every time, for something he has actually evolved to do. Or, you can get a secure trash can or put your trash can in a location inaccessible to your dog and be done with it.
You can be annoyed that your dog has gotten out again while you search the neighborhood barefoot in your pajamas late for work, or you can spring load your gate so it closes on its own.
Helpful Links for Dog Guardians
Below are links to websites with great information on Pet Behavior and Training Tips:
Dogs
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Position Statements
The Use of Punishment in Behavior Modification of Animals
Housetraining (Potty Training)
Puppy Mouthing: “Living with Jaws: A Survival Guide for Puppy Mouthing”
Resource (Food) Guarding in Dogs
*Behavior modification for any aggressive behavior should be undertaken with a certified behavior consultant.
One of the most common challenges trainers see is dog guardians who weren’t well-matched with their dogs, which is why we try our best to make good adoption matches at the shelter. Some of our breed labels at the shelter are guesses. Behavior of mixed breed dogs will be less likely to follow the behavioral predispositions of purebred dogs (but that doesn’t mean we can’t give you info about how they’re likely to behave, especially if you adopt an adult dog!). Every dog is an individual and can behave differently in different contexts, but there are some behavioral likelihoods it can be very helpful to know about when choosing a dog who will fit into your lifestyle! It is also good to keep in mind we have pre-screened our dogs for adoptability, so we can give you more information about how our individual dogs are likely to fit in with your lifestyle.
Have a behavior or training question about your newly adopted dog or cat (or rat, parrot, chicken…)? Why wait? Let’s step off on the right paw!