Tips When Socializing your Lab
Socializing your lab will help build his character as an adult.
We have some advice for you when you want to train your lab to be social around other dogs and other people.
People: Let your Labrador meet your friends
The best way to start socializing your Lab puppy with new people is by inviting guests to your home. Let your visitors know that you’re in the socialization part of training and that it would be helpful if they don’t acknowledge your Lab puppy unless he or she is calm and behaves…
Dogs: Expose your Lab to other dogs
Introducing your Labrador puppy to other dogs should be done in a neutral location to prevent territorial aggression. Start by placing the dogs on opposite sides of a fence until they feel comfortable with each other’s presence. Next, go for a walk with each person handling their own dog for 5 to 10 minutes or until they show signs of wanting to socialize. At this point, you can let the dogs meet each other, while redirecting your Labrador’s attention to you every 5 minutes or so to prevent him or her from getting anxious or too excited. Once the dogs are familiar with each other, the process can be repeated at home.
At home: Explore at home with your Lab puppy
There are many situations and objects at home that your Labrador may find scary if they aren’t properly introduced to them.
…The most important thing to remember when dealing with these types of things at home is keeping your composure. In certain situations such as with fireworks, it’s better if you don’t make a big deal out of you puppy’s fear, but rather redirect his or her attention to a game or another activity. This will reassure your dog that there is nothing to fear, whereas acknowledging the problem usually only makes it worse.
Outside of your home
Once your Labrador puppy is fully vaccinated, you can begin socializing outside of your home. You and your dog should visit different places such as parks, pet stores and veterinary clinics as well as interact with different kinds of people…
It is also important that your puppy is exposed to different environments such as the city, country and the beach so that he or she gets used to all the different smells and noises.
Read the full article here.
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