Page 26 - FWG Issue 7 August 2024

Animals Matter

on Instagram. Dogs become drama queens Book an appointment with your vet’s greet session is over, leave and drive
(and could really win Oscars), but they receptionist and mention that you are home. Unfortunately, most of our vet
react that way because they are not used exposing your pup early to their premises visits are due to injury, illness, and pain.
to handling. From a puppy, various family for a positive experience. She will gladly By giving your pup positive experiences
members touch and hold each paw, nails, have a biscuit ready, pop your pup onto at the vet instead of only negative ones,
face, back, tail, and stomach and open their the scale, and hand out lots of love and you can help decrease their anxiety levels.
mouths. affection. When the 5-minute meet and
BOUNDARIES
We know our puppies are super cute and
melt our hearts but remember that you are
busy shaping an adult dog. Don’t feel bad
about implementing rules in a kind and
loving way. How do you want your dog to
behave when he is grown up? What we do
today is what we will ultimately reap in a
few years. Like with children, setting up
boundaries makes them feel safe. We love
them unconditionally and need them to
become socially acceptable adult dogs.
Teach your pup to be consistent and give
them a predictable environment.

TRAINING
Training is fun and mentally stimulating
for both puppies and owners. Essential
skills like “Drop It!” and ‘Recall” can be
lifesaving. Most importantly, it is about
your puppy’s attitude and whether they
enjoy working with you. The better your
relationship with your pup, the more
receptive he will be. Travelling in the car
to and from puppy school can also help
to associate car rides with positive, fun
experiences. Remember, the quickest way
to train a dog is slowly.

As the artist looks at a blank canvas, so
should we look at our puppy? With time
and effort, the artist can create a beautiful
painting or hurriedly splodge a few
dollops of paint and have an unfinished,
mediocre one. Turning a puppy into a
well-behaved, happy adult dog takes
exposure to various environments
with positive experiences. The critical
socialisation period is limited. Be aware
what happens to them within the first 17
weeks will affect their mental health. Let’s
set them up for success in their journey to
adulthood and give them a good quality
of life.

Jeanette Furstenburg is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She holds a Diploma in Companion
Animal Behaviour (DipCABT) with distinction. She is a full member of the COAPE Endorsed
Association of Applied Pet Behaviourists and Trainers International (CABTi), a member of
the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter 2024 and the International Companion Animal
Network (ICAN). In addition, she is a member of the South African Board for Companion Animal
Professionals (SABCAP).

For more information, call 082 445 8422,
email: jeanette@animalsmatter.co.za or visit: www.animalsmatter.co.za

Fourways Gardens • 24 • August 2024