Since your dog is 16 weeks, as a previous poster stated, you've missed a prime period for socialization: the "fear imprinting period". However, it's good to socialize your dog with other dogs and unknown humans throughout her life! These experiences must be positive experiences, though. And don't worry, there are actually TWO fear imprinting periods in a puppy's development.
In regards to the fear imprinting period (which is the ages when things that COULD scare him should be introduced as good things) ... this occurs between 8 and 11 weeks. There is also a second fear imprinting period, which occurs between 6 and 14 months (that explains why some dogs go through a "bratty teenager" phase at that age). During these periods, socialization will be the most effective and have the most lasting effects. However, as I said before, these types of experiences should be done throughout the puppy's lifetime. A good way to introduce puppies to unknowns: doggy day camp facilities (i.e. www.bestfriendspetcare.com), dog parks, leashed walks into unknown territory, vet visits, grooming salon visits, car rides, etc.
Good luck!
2007-03-07 04:09:33
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answer #1
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answered by Eddie S 3
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Leash training is very simple. Take her outside, hold the leash in your right hand, keep it tight enough that she must walk directly beside you only- don't let her wander around you. Begin walking at a slow, steady pace, and say 'Come on' or 'Let's go' in an encouraging voice. If she won't walk, give a quick, gentle tug on the leash and release pressure immediately- don't try to drag her. Keep calling and tugging until she moves, and then reward her. Repeat this any time she tries to stay behind or run ahead. Gentle tug, and let go. Always keep her beside you, and don't let her stop to sniff on her own- you need to take charge of the walk. If there's a grassy area you want to let her sniff in, lead her to it and then let her stop and sniff- never stop because she tries to. (Unless she's squatting desperately, and needs to potty.) Bring some very small treats that are soft and easy to eat quickly with you and reward her periodically if she's walking well. You'll have a well-trained pup in no time.
For socialization, there's one important thing to remember. Dog's do not understand 'comfort'. For example: Your dog sees something new, and runs away. You pick her up and coddle her. You're telling her it's okay and not to be scared, right? Wrong. Your dog understand reward versus discipline. You rewarded her for being afraid of the new thing. Therefore, she will continue to be afraid of it because you told her it's good. The correct response is nothing at all. If she runs to you, nudge her away. Gently lead her back to whatever it is, and let her investigate it. Only praise her when she stops being fearful and starts looking curious. Try to take her somewhere new several times a week so it's not just a series of random experiences. She needs to meet people, dogs, other animals, and see as many new places as possible. Again, never reward fear. Also, never carry her in a new situation. Dogs walk on the ground. Picking her up changing her mental perception and confuses her. No carrying, no little puppy purses. Just let her walk on the ground regardless of the place or situation. The biggest mistake people make is thinking small dogs are babies. They do not think or act like babies. Teaching a dog to be a baby will make it fearful, uncertain, and possibly even aggressive, as dogs out of fear with aggression.
Good luck with your new pup!
2007-03-07 10:25:32
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answer #2
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answered by Dreamer 7
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Puppies critical socialization time frame is 6-12 weeks. This doesn't mean you can not socialize her at 16 weeks though. Invest in some puppy treats she loves(break them in small pieces though so she doesn't gain too much weight) With the car, take her out to the car and first sit with her in the backseat. Pet her A LOT and give her treats. the idea is to make these new situations a positive experience for her. Once she is used to the first step, turn the car on and repeat the treats and love. You need to expose her to as many things as possible at a young age. Take her to any business that allows pets....I sit on the Starbucks patio and people watch with my 2 dogs and new pup to socialize. Good Luck
2007-03-07 10:32:56
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answer #3
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answered by Cash, Gage and Jax's Mom 4
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Just take her out more often. To get her used to riding in the car, take her on short trips, like around the block. Then slowly go a little farther each time. Take her out on her leash at the park, or outside your home. I wouldn't suggest walking them up and down your road or out in the apartment parking lot. MY dog ended up getting hit by a car because I taught her it was ok to walk in the road when being on the leash, and she didn't no any better not to when she wasn't on the leash.
When going to a friends house see if you can take her along. It gets her used to being around other people outside of her comfort zone. Bring one of her favorite chew toys so that she can play with something that is hers and familiar to her. Same thing with going to the park. Seeing other people and other dogs will make her more used to it.
2007-03-07 10:19:36
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answer #4
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answered by Xo_Danielle_xO 2
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You have missed the prime window for socialization, which closes at about 14 to 16 weeks. This means you will now need to work extra hard to socialize her.
As others have said, going slowly is key. If you rush things she will be overwhelmed and become more frightened instead of more comfortable. She needs to create positive associations with new stimuli, so you need to give her really good stuff. Don't use dog biscuits (unless they really are her favorite thing ever); give her bits of cheese, chicken, hot dog, etc.
Attending a puppy class is an excellent suggestion. You will be able to socialize her to people and dogs in a controlled environment.
2007-03-07 10:34:47
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answer #5
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answered by melissa k 6
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A few important things to remember:
She will get used to a leash if you continue to use it regularly.
When she seems scared don't make a big fuss over her. Meaning do not reassure her for her fears, because you are just reassuring the behavior.
Do not force her to greet people either. By this, I mean, don't pick her up when she's scared and make her meet people, this will only encourage fear biting.
Expose her to all sorts of sights and sounds. Meet and greet people as if she wasn't even there. All that "oh it's alright baby" is doing more harm than good!
2007-03-07 10:20:15
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answer #6
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answered by Pam 6
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A small 4 month old dog better be timid or someone might step on her (LOL). Seriously, the key is to go very slow in small steps, like, take her in you arms, outside briefly, and give her a small treat while talking softly to her and go back inside. Do this a few times. Then, maybe, go to the car, give her the treat, and go back to her safe place. then go to the car and open the door, and if she is not trembling, sit down and tak to her and give her a treat. The main thing is to stop before she starts getting scared. Gradually she will know that things are allright.
2007-03-07 10:15:56
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answer #7
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answered by paulbyr 3
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Basically exposure, exposure, exposure. Take her to many different places - first for very short trips, then longer as she gets more comfortable. Be positive during these trips - if you're anxious and concerned about her, she'll pick up on that.
Do fun things with her - walks, take her to the dog park to play, feed her treats, etc.
Be patient.
2007-03-07 10:11:53
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answer #8
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answered by Ms. S 5
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Get you and your pup into and puppy obedience class. There the both of you can have some fun and your pup can get to be around other dogs.
You just may learn a thing or two.
2007-03-07 10:11:40
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answer #9
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answered by ♥Golden gal♥ 7
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Get some doggie snacks and give her some when she is out, then she will want to get out more.
doggie treats work every time.
get some stuff animals too.
2007-03-07 10:10:53
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answer #10
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answered by sunflare63 7
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