Summer 2010 - PAWS Chicago

PET HEALTH & BEHAVIORPlaying Nice continuedGradually move closer until you can walkby a dog while feeding your dog. For somedogs, a favorite ball or tug toy can be used toreplace the treats.Most dog owners would love to havea dog that can play happily with all dogsat the park. Unfortunately, some dogs donot have the genetic make-up to do this asthey mature into adulthood. Not all dogsare “dog park” dogs and therefore, preferthe company of humans or a dog they arefamiliar with from puppyhood. If you adopta dog and have little or no informationabout the dogs past history, you will wantto begin your socialization process onedog at a time. Pick a dog who has beenthat your dog can handle and provide himwith successful experiences. Don’t makeexcuses for his problems and do seek thehelp of a professional. Aggression problemsdon’t go away on their own and do getworse with time if left untreated. Makingan investment of time and patience willgive you many enjoyable experiences in thefuture with your dog.Joan Harris is a regularcontributor to PAWS Chicagomagazine. She serves as HeadTrainer at K9 University.Refine your dog’ssocialization skills early byintroducing him to otherdogs. Start slowly with onedog who is friendly andconfident and use treats aspositive reinforcement togood behavior.highly socialized and is confident and goodnatured. You may want to keep all yourdog’s play dates to small groups or just onecompatible dog until you feel comfortable.In the beginning, keep toys, rawhides andfood bowls out of the area. These items cancause dogs to become possessive. If at anytime you begin to feel uncomfortable or yousee an unhealthy pattern developing, consulta dog behavior specialist before continuingyour socialization process.Remember that changing your dog’sbehavior is a slow process that can’t berushed. Every time you allow your dogto exhibit an aggressive response, you arereinforcing a bad habit. Work at a distance