Socialization

This is a general term referring to introducing the young puppy to people, animals, things and happenings so that the puppy will know how to react and not be afraid of them when he/she grows up.  Socialization can come in various ways and should be done as soon as the puppy is brought home.  Three weeks to three months are the most critical age in socializing your puppy.  A big part of his/her personality is formed during this short period.  That's why the price of puppies drop tremendously when they are over three months old.  (But pet shops here don't care anyway!)

All puppies like to play and explore and at times might growl at something when they are afraid.  If your puppy growls at an object or person, DO NOT pick him up, cuddle him and pat him.  Your incorrect response will instead encourage him to growl which may lead to fear-biting in the future.   Instead tell him "No" with a stern face.

Another indoor socialization you could do is to invite your friends with children to your home and let your puppy play with them.  Of course, teach the children beforehand how to behave properly with the puppy.  It will even be better if your puppy enrolls in the puppy obedience class where he/she can meet other dogs.

Care should be taken when introducing your puppy to other bigger dogs or animals.  So, do make sure the other dogs are all non-aggressive before you let your puppy run loose in the dog run which is another great place for your puppy to be socialized.

Hi, nice to meet you.  Shall we play together?

Separation Anxiety 

It is important to understand that separation anxiety can occur in any dog of any breed at any age.  This anxiety is a result of stress of being separated from their pack members (that's you), even when you're gone for just a few minutes.  The dog becomes destructive, bark non-stop and may even urinate in the house even though he/she is house trained already.  

Some dogs have very serious separation anxiety to the extent they will hurt themselves like licking and chewing their paws or tails until they bleed.  Others will break glass doors and tear down wire gates, cutting themselves while trying to get out of the room.

The less serious ones usually involve tearing the garbage bag and spreading the rubbish around the house; or dismantling the tissue boxes and spreading the tissue papers all over.  Separation anxiety is one of the main reasons for given-up dogs to be put down.

However, this odd behaviour can be fixed or at least minimized if you put in effort.  You should work with a qualified trainer who will go through YOUR behaviour and routine, not just concentrating on the dog.  He/she might even use a video camera to see what actually happens when you stepped out of the house.  You might be surprised  the problem can be fixed or minimized much easier than you had first thought.  

Some dog experts believe that separation anxiety has got a lot to do with inheritance, so it is another reason why it is so important to buy puppies from good and reputable breeders ONLY.

Two escape artists.....