Part of a series of little training videos I have made. Watch the video then read through the description for a break down of the video and tips for training your puppy.
This is one your vet and dog groomer will thank you for doing.
Socializing your puppy to being handled, isn’t something we really think about when it comes to Socialization but it is quite an important one, getting your puppy used to having their feet, ears touched and even lifting their lips to see their teeth are all things your puppy needs to get used to as these are things that your vet and dog groomer will be handling and checking and if they haven’t been correctly introduced and socialised with, it can become a stressful situation for them, so when your puppy has a vet visit or are going to the groomers where they are handled a lot it can become an overwhelming experience for them. So early socialization with being handled is important so your puppy accepts it and doesn’t become overwhelmed. Getting your puppy used to being handled sets your pup up for the future being able to check you dog’s paws and ears and even in their mouth all helps you look out for any sings of infections or any issues that might occur and being able to apply any medication they may need later in life is a lot less stressful for both you and your dog if they are socialized enough to accept it.
The best time to start introducing them to this type of socializing is when they are getting ready to settle down for nap or after play so your puppy is relaxed. Trying to do this when you puppy is excited or trying to play you won’t be able to settle them enough to accept it they will just try to play and will probably be very mouthy and play bite. It is also good for you to be relaxed and all motions need to be in a clam manor to keep your puppy relaxed. This type of socialisation needs to be done on a regular basis ideally daily or at least 2-3 times a week the more you do it the more they become accustomed to it. It is also a good way to bond with them.
For your first time doing this with your puppy I would start with their feet and legs. Start by lifting their legs and feel their paws, stroke their tail, run your hands all over their body. As you can see in the video this can be an enjoyable and relaxing experience for them but the first time I did this with her she just constantly mouthed and was biting my hands throughout me doing this but it soon become an enjoyable experience for her. For their head and face focus on the areas your vet or groomer will be handling like around their eyes, their ears and in their mouth The idea is to get them used to having their eyes wiped and having their ears & mouth checked and cleaned so this becomes an easy process so any issues that may arise your puppy will accept any treatment they may need.
Getting them used to being handled also helps with getting your puppy used to being brushed. This puppy has had this done on a daily basis as she was a very mouthy and quite nippy it was like trying to pet a crocodile it does depend on your puppy how often they need it. even when you puppy starts to accepts it it’s still a good idea to keep doing this at least once a week and cutting it down as they get older. This video was filmed when she 9 weeks old and this is how she accepted it just from a couple of day of doing it. Results all depends on your puppy and how much time you can put into doing this but the more time you put in the easier it will get.
Some of you may just be watching for the cute puppy videos so you will like this weeks video, its very cute
Deborah Batty at Deborahs Dog Grooming
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