Kay Laurence - Learning About Dogs
Kay Laurence and Frances McCormack of "Learning About Dogs" launch the 5th Series following the questions raised from the first year with a new pup.
Explore the first four series with Kay and Sue McGuire, talking about the life we live with dogs. Both Kay and Sue have extensive experience of rearing, training and rehabilitation with dogs. Unique and insightful perspectives provide dog trainers and dog people a new way to learn about dogs.
Kay Laurence - Learning About Dogs
Building Confidence with Familiarisation
Most of us want to take our pup out-and-about with us; from the countryside walks to brunch at the local café or pub. We will plan to go on holiday, stay in hotels or visit friends, perhaps go to classes, a dog show or the local garden fête.
To ensure these outings are as pleasant an experience for your dog as they are for you we need to begin to familiarise the youngster with these anticipated but unnatural environments.
A familiarisation protocol should ensure that a puppy has the time to assess, observe, and become familiar with, the weird and wonderful life that will be their future. If you rush this and the pup becomes fearful of people at the cafe, then this shared outing may never be on your dream list.
Do not rely on putting it right or fixing this associated anxiety at a later date. “Become familiar with” should never involve anxiety, it should always be gradual, never extreme and the pup should always have the right to say “no thanks”.
FEATURE: Familiarisation