Ikea Home and Garden Show: 4 tips for Socializing your Dog

As we mentioned there were a ton of dogs at the show yesterday. Part of that was because Dina Zaphiris, host of Animal Planet's PetFinder, was doing some demos and giving tips for how to train and socialize your dog. A major tip? Start Early. The rest right here:

A lot of these apply to us too:

New People: It is very important to make sure your pup meets a lot of new people every day to avoid creating fear and aggression problems in the future. Carry around a bag of treats, and every new person you meet can give him a treat.

Keep it Positive: Training and socializing have one very important thing in common: positive reinforcement. Be happy and have fun. Use treats and speak to your dog in a nice tone of voice.

New Experiences: If you want a dog that likes to swim, you need to teach him early or he will fear the water.

Know your Breed: You owe it to your dog to understand what he's made of. This will help you create training, exercise and a lifestyle that's right for him.

Find out more at dinazaphiris.com. To rescue an animal or donate to a shelter, click here.

[image from puppyhelponline.com"]

Comments (10)

my god that is one adorable squinter

posted by jenniejenjen on August 21st 2008 at 4:13pm
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Corgi puppies are just about the cutest things in the world.

posted by renata on August 21st 2008 at 5:02pm
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petbed-cattree:

there is a classified section to this blog which is more appropriate for your post.

posted by wild-er on August 21st 2008 at 5:45pm
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Omigosh, I absolutely adore corgis, they are just as cute whether at 3 months or 13 years...

posted by RJD on August 21st 2008 at 6:50pm
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Corgis always remind me of Tasha Tudor books. Such happy memories and adorable dogs!

posted by Seaside on August 21st 2008 at 8:24pm
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petbed-cattree:
I wouldn't read your invasive ad posted here if you paid me.

posted by Pixie on August 22nd 2008 at 3:30am
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I plan to adopt an adult dog next year when bf and I buy a house with a yard. I think that positive social experiences could benefit a timid older dog as well.

posted by mally313 on August 22nd 2008 at 4:56am
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This needed more pictures of that puppy under the cut.

posted by karaalexis on August 22nd 2008 at 5:08am
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had to click through and ready when there is a corgi on the post, thats what my Rocky is. Although we got him from a rescue place after he lost his puppy fur.

a few photos of him here if anyone is interested in killing some time.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/78779616@N00/sets/72157605649336942/

and this classic too...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/78779616@N00/2668956599/

posted by jmorey on August 22nd 2008 at 5:12am
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I love Corgis, especially Corgi pups.

posted by John H on August 22nd 2008 at 10:53am
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