Twix Socialization to surfaces - puppy clicker training
1,968 views · Published 6 September 2010 · 2:54 · Indexed 8 November 2026
Channel: Pam's Dog Academy · 2010 · Pets & Animals
http://www.pamsdogacademy.com OMG, I forgot to say to socialize to friendly dogs! Of all things to forget that one is huge! Please make sure that you know as a fact that the dog is friendly. Many owners will say their dog is friendly, but they are not sure or that could be the one time that the dog attacks. :( I have been working like crazy to socialize Twix to as many things as possible, but with work, two other dogs, and a husband; I am totally sleep deprived. :) However, I am committed to my dogs and will do everything in my power to make sure they are well taken care of and that all their needs are met daily! Twix has not shown to be fearful of many things. However, I must say that I do not believe in the notion of letting the puppy just sit there and be afraid and wait to reinforce when they are not any longer afraid. To me that seems ridiculous. If I am afraid, I want someone at my side telling me that it will all be ok. It comforts me and makes me feel better. When raising Isabelle and Bandit I bought into this and did not pay attention to them when they did have fears. Isabelle was so afraid of car rides and Bandit had fears of busses and big trucks. One day I noticed a bus coming and decided to wait and comfort Bandit (get down to his level, calmly rub his ears, and talk softly to him) and he was totally fine with the bus going by. Then one time I was too slow and did not see a big scary truck and he did get frightened. I stopped and got next to him and he snuggled right into me as if he needed that comfort. So, the questions are; Did I reinforce his fear? Was I that shoulder to lean on? Will he still be fearful of busses and Big Trucks? My answers are this... No, I do not believe I reinforced his fear as it was already there! I was his shoulder to lean on and his source of comfort and it personally makes me very happy to know that he calmed down right away because of my comforting him. Yes, I think that he will still be fearful of busses and big trucks, but I believe with all my heart that he will turn to me to take care of him. I am afraid of spiders and if I had to deal with them alone, I would freak out, but when my husband takes care of the spiders for me and tells me he will handle it. I feel so much better. I think that I will always be fearful of spiders. So, I am conditioning Twix to enjoy being handled and to love it. This way when he is faced with a scary situation, he can find comfort in my touch and being near me. Many dogs get into that fight or flight; the dog chooses flight and runs off. I want my dog to run to me when afraid. I hope that this makes sense to you all. I know that there are many that still believe that we should not comfort fear and "reinforce" that behavior and those people are entitled to their belief. Please keep in mind that this is just my personal belief! Have a great day! Pam & Twix
