Page 25 - FWG Issue 7 August 2024

Animals Matter

UNLEASH YOUR DOG’S INNER STAR

uppies bring us so much joy. Their from different species, such as cats,
looks, their eyes, and the puppy smell. rabbits, parrots, etc. There are cases where
They are delightful, funny and eager someone inherits/takes in another animal,
Pto explore and please. They arrive which may cause distress to the existing
in our homes as a blank canvas. As owners, animals in the home, especially if they are
though, we have a huge responsibility to new species to which they have not been
ensure that they grow up to become socially exposed.
acceptable adult dogs who are healthy and
confident. It’s up to us to turn the blank LOUD NOISES
canvas into a workable piece of art. Many dogs with severe noise phobias affect
their quality of life. They often require
We often read about the importance of behavioural medication to get through
socialising a puppy, but what does that their anxiety and fear. Although this
actually mean? Does it mean he is playing condition may be inherited from the pup’s
with other dogs and people? Yes, it does, but mother, we can help prevent it in the puppy
it is also so much more. We need to holistically stage. Give them positive associations with
socialise our puppy to ensure he is well- vacuum cleaners, thunder, fireworks, loud
behaved, unfearful, and able to navigate the noises, crinkling packets, car sounds and
world in a positive light. loud noises.

This can be achieved by exposing our puppies TEXTURES
to many things in our environment safely and How many pet owners have experienced a
lovingly. For ease of clarity, we can do the reluctant and scared dog at the vet where tunnels. This all contributes to an overall
following: they don’t want to get on the scale to be confident dog.
weighed? The dog can jump on the couch
PEOPLE but not the scale. This situation is likely due EQUIPMENT
When introducing them to people, expose to their unfamiliarity with steel/metal, so Gradually and briefly introduce harnesses,
them to people of all ethnic groups, those they are reluctant to feel it underfoot. You collars, leashes or any equipment you
in wheelchairs, on crutches, with walking can have fun with your puppy by having foresee using.
sticks, people with beards, wearing hats, different textures laid out in the garden, like
holding umbrellas, children, babies, and an obstacle course. For example, have them HANDLING
the list goes on. walk over plastic, fabric, concrete, metal, A crucial part of socialisation. This will help
steel, stones, and bubble wrap, climb up the puppy tremendously when needing
ANIMALS and climb off objects, go under low tables, vet visits or grooming parlours. We have all
Ensure they meet other dogs and animals over bridges, over rubber tyres and through seen the dreaded dog nail-trimming clips

Fourways Gardens • 23 • August 2024