Welcoming a new puppy into your life is an exciting time, filled with joy and unforgettable moments. However, it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities and challenges. To ensure that your experience with your new puppy is nothing short of incredible, it’s essential to approach puppy selection and puppy training and socialization in Calgary with a well-structured plan and mindset.
Prioritize Resilience and Temperament
Resilience and temperament should be your top priorities when choosing your perfect puppy. Look for a puppy who can recover quickly from stress, such as being scared and then shaking off (as if they had a bath) or being frightened, but immediately reassured and calmed by your presence or proximity. You want a puppy with a naturally calm demeanor, but keep in mind that a scared puppy can appear calm. A relaxed puppy will have loose musculature, soft eyes, and will orient (pay attention to) stimuli in their environment, approach or investigate, and then typically move away or continue with their current activity. A scared dog, on the other hand, may either run away and not approach, freeze or approach you for comfort and then follow you around, unable to recover or bounce back. Think of this in terms of “ebbing” and “flowing” This is the innately circular nature of all living systems – approach then retreat, become excited, then calm, scared, and then relaxed. heart rate increases, heart rate decreases. I call this thinking in terms of “loops and not lines” which is based in Systems Thinking which undergirds everything that we do here at ImPAWSible Possible in Calgary. Additionally, understanding the impact of breed traits, individual temperament and genetics on behaviour and training is so important! These cannot be overcome by training (like teaching a fish not to swim). I cannot emphasize this enough.
Focus on Raising a Secure, Well-Rounded Family Dog
Establishing a strong bond with your puppy begins with nurturing a secure attachment and trust. Develop consistent yet adaptable feeding, sleeping, exercise and play routines at home to foster resilience within the boundaries of your pup’s genetics and temperament. Gradually expose them to social situations while considering their individual needs. Some puppies are introverts and others are extroverts. Attempting to over-socialize an introvert will always backfire (something I can attest to as an introvert!) Prioritize training life skills that are practical for both your lifestyle and your puppy’s well-being.
Emphasize Neutrality Over Excitement
Avoid overexposure and over-socialization, which can lead to overstimulation and reactivity. Teach your puppy to remain calm and neutral in various environments, rather than becoming excessively excited. This principle applies to activities such as park visits, playtime, and social interactions.
Building A Strong Foundation
Consider online resources such as Suzanne Clothier’s “Socialization Mindful and Planned,” Jennifer Arnold’s “Love is All You Need,” and Kathy Callahan’s “Welcoming Your Puppy From Planet Dog” to build a strong foundation for your puppy’s growth before starting formal puppy training classes. Above all, make sure your puppy feels safe, protected, and loved, keeping in mind that these are subjective, so understanding them from your puppy’s point of view is critical.
Puppy Socialization and Training Classes
While not mandatory, enrolling your puppy in a reputable training and socialization program, such as our Puppy Potential Program in Calgary, can provide invaluable guidance and support. This intensive program has been created to cultivate resilience, security, neutrality, and overall success in you and your puppy’s journey.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, raising a resilient and empathetic puppy requires dedication, patience, and a deep understanding of your dog’s individual needs. By adhering to these overarching principles and leveraging recommended resources, you’ll embark on a journey filled with love, growth, and a lifelong bond with your canine companion as a puppy owner in Calgary.
