Release Date: 06.15.09 | Location: All Metro Atlanta | Organization: Atlanta Dog Trainer
Teach Socialization and Coping Skills to your New Pup with Tips from Susie Aga, Daybook Network's Newest Expert
Key Canine Coping Skills for Happy Dogs and Owners
Daybook welcomes Susie Aga, owner of Atlanta Dog Trainer LLC, as our newest expert.
Picking the perfect pet is a challenge. We knew that even before the media stories about selecting the newest White House puppy. But even more important is to socialize the new pet and teach it some key canine coping skills.
"Canine coping means your dog has learned to deal with change," says pet expert Susie Aga. "Any change in a dog's surroundings or routine can lead to confusion and misbehavior. But with planning and love - your dog can learn to adapt."
Aga is an internationally recognized training expert, with 20 years of experience working with dogs. She is owner of Atlanta Dog Trainer LLC and Atlanta Dog Trainer Dog Daycare, the preferred training and daycare facility by 45 veterinarians, 25 rescue organizations and many animal-related businesses throughout metro Atlanta.
Named "Best of Atlanta Dog Training" by Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Dog Trainer has been featured in print and broadcast media throughout metro-Atlanta. Aga appears as Turner Broadcasting's pet expert and hosts "The Animal Hour" on AM 1620 radio and www.radiosandysprings.com. She is also the pet expert for Pet Doctor Online and is a regular guest on the BBC's Dog Cast Radio, broadcast from London to a worldwide audience.
Aga has trained dogs for films, TV, commercials, print ads, instructional videos and public appearances. She is also a guest lecturer for the psychology department at Georgia State University, speaking on canine behavior and the similarities of conditioning behaviors in humans and animals.
"For your dog to learn social skills, the motivation and re-enforcement MUST be positive, such as having a great relationship, praise, love and treats," says Aga. "Punishment does not work and can lead to future behavioral issues."
Consider these tips as you begin to teach your dog to cope with life in your home with your family:
Surfaces: It is important that your pup get comfortable on many surfaces. Sinking into soft, hot sand seems very strange to a dog. Trying to get traction on a slick surface can be very disconcerting - the sensation of slipping causes fear in most dogs. Take walks on gravel, grass, sand and sidewalks to get your dog used to a variety of surfaces.
Sounds: Try to arrange for your dog to be around as many different sounds as possible. If the dog is sound-sensitive, start off at a distance and slowly introduce the sound louder and louder. Start with a dull sound like dropping a book. Then move to a sharp, tinny sound and progress to different sounds at different levels. Make sure to socialize your new dog to motorcycles which have an odd reverberating sound. Use positive reinforcement of praise and treats to associate the sound with something pleasant.
Objects: A dog may be are afraid of a new or different object. Some dogs are afraid of dry cleaning bags. Try hanging a bag somewhere high and near an air vent to see what reaction your dog has. Again, use treats to encourage the dog to conquer its fear of this strange flowing object. Remember to socialize your dog to wheelchairs and walkers as well.
Environments: Once the dog is fully immunized, go to as many places as possible: large buildings, pet stores, airports. Dogs are often intimidated by rolling objects such as suitcases and grocery carts. Dogs that adapt to a variety of environments at a young age will be easy to deal with and become a part of the family because they can go anywhere with you. You may need a special treat as a positive re-enforcer at a scary location.
People of all sizes: Dogs will get used to the size human they are around most. Make sure you expose your puppy to babies and toddlers. Toddlers are the most likely human to get bitten. Seen at eye level, some dogs perceive a stare from a toddler as a posturing threat. Toddlers also wobble and make strange noises that can scare a dog unfamiliar with kids. Some dogs are scared of very tall people especially if they live in a household with smaller humans. And, since some dogs are fearful of men, they need to have some positive re-enforcement from a man.
Everyone wants a happy, well-adjusted dog. Dogs can be taught manners through kindness, trust and consistency. "It is your responsibility to train your dog -- and yourself," says Aga. "As we say at Atlanta Dog Trainer: a trained dog makes a happy owner; a trained owner makes a happier dog! "
For more information, please see www.atlantadogtrainer.com or call 770-754-9178.
See Susie Aga's Daybook Expert bio here.
Contact Info
Contact Name: Susie Aga
Company: Atlanta Dog Trainer
Phone: 770 754 9178
Cell: 770 355 8277
E-mail: [email protected]
