Page 314 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

314 C ARE AND TR AINING

Meeting the family and children should always be supervised, because children’s
If your puppy is to become a polite and confident dog, you sudden movements and noises can sometimes startle young
must introduce him to a variety of different people. Puppies puppies. However, do not shy away from such encounters—
soon make friends with all the members of their family, but taking a new puppy to the school entrance when you drop
some of them are shy with strangers. Invite visitors of all off and pick up your children is a great way to socialize him
ages, male and female, to your home to meet your puppy. with children of all ages. Using lots of praise and tasty treats
Show your visitors how to interact with your puppy, but do on these visits will guarantee that your puppy remembers
not let them overwhelm him. Instead, ask them to wait for the experiences fondly.
the puppy to make the first approach before greeting him. Take the time to meet and greet all kinds of different
When the puppy does come to them, make sure that your people when you are outside the house with your puppy. Ask
visitors give him plenty of treats and gentle attention. joggers and cyclists to stop and say hello to your puppy if he
Give your puppy plenty of experiences with children early seems to be alarmed by their fast movement. If people are
on so that he becomes used to them, and teach your children willing and able, get them to crouch down with a treat and
how to behave around dogs. Interactions between your dog wait for him to approach for his reward.
YOUNG PLAYMATE
Children and dogs can become the
best of friends, but they need time
to get used to one another.

NEW ARRIVAL
Introduce babies and
dogs gradually and never
leave them alone together.
Begin by getting your
dog used to the smell of
your baby’s clothes.

FELINE INTRODUCTION
Introduce a cat by holding
your dog to prevent him
from chasing it. The cat
must be free to escape
if it feels threatened.

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