Page 310 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CARE AND TRAINING | AT HOME AND AWAY

At home and away

Your dog will need to get used to people, cars, other pets, and the
outside world. Having a well socialized dog will make it easier when
going on vacation, whether you travel with him or leave him behind.

LOCAL WALKS such as cars and trucks. Others may be TRAVELING BY CAR
Once your puppy has been inoculated, and powerful distractions: for example, a child As a dog owner you have a legal duty to
ideally microchipped, too, he can be taken on a bicycle or skateboard, or lambs in a transport your dog in a way that keeps the
for walks. It is important to expose puppies field. Your dog needs to learn confidence, dog and other passengers safe. If you have
to as many different situations as possible in and you need to be sure you can depend a large car, you could install a dog guard
the first 12 weeks, after which their attitude on him to behave in all situations. behind the rear seats; this should be sufficient
becomes more guarded; if they encounter Introduce your pet to anyone who wants for short trips under one hour. For long trips
something strange, their first instinct will be to meet him. If you have children, meet or in a larger vehicle, put your dog in
to run away. For older dogs, walks are about them from school with your puppy so that a dog crate. If your dog is traveling on the
letting them get to know their “territory.” he gets used to seeing other children. back seat of your car, a dog harness that
Even so, there may be things that your When acquainting your dog with other links in with the seat belt system will
dog has not encountered before, such as dogs, start with those you already know: restrain him safely. To help prevent travel
livestock and wild animals. for example, go out for walks with someone sickness, make sure your dog has a nonslip
who has an easy-going dog. You could also surface to stand on in the car.
CREATING CONFIDENCE attend puppy socialization classes. Start travel training by teaching your dog
When your dog first ventures into the wider It is best to always keep your dog on a to sit in the car for a few minutes with the
world, the experience can be overwhelming leash around livestock and wild animals— engine off and the doors open. Graduate to
for him. Some new sights may be frightening, even for a quiet dog, the temptation to sitting in the car with the doors closed and
chase can be sudden and irresistible. In the engine on for a few minutes. Then start
Meeting new dogs many countries, dog owners are required taking short journeys of a few minutes,
Allow your dog to meet strange dogs when walking, but if by law to prevent their animals from building up to longer trips. When traveling,
he is upset by them, walk away or ask the owners to hold
their dogs or put them on the leash while you pass. harassing livestock. don’t let your dog stick his head out of the

GETTING USED TO TRAFFIC

■ Introduce your dog to startling or distracting
sights such as noisy cars by getting him to sit at
a comfortable distance while the vehicle goes by.
■ Crouch down and hold him so he does not
try to chase, and praise him when he sits quietly.
■ Reward him with a treat once the object
has passed.
■ Gradually get him used to being closer
to these objects but at a safe distance from
fast traffic.
■ Be patient—let him take his time.

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