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Getting
Started - "Pass the Puppy" Socialization and Gentling
.jpg) A
common mistake people make with cute,
little puppies is not getting them comfortable being
held and handled by a variety of people so that
later in life, they will be less stressed and less
likely to respond aggressively to handling.
"Pass
the Puppy" is a socialization and gentling exercise,
done under controlled circumstances, to condition
the puppy to accept
friendly people. The goal is to build trust in
people, a little frustration tolerance, and
compliance with being handled.
Have a
puppy party, inviting people to your home to help
you with this exercise. Ask people to sit in a
circle. Provide puppy treats. (Each treat needs to
be the size of a cheerio. Have your puppy skip the
meal before the party.)
.jpg) When
the puppy is passed, each person let's out a big
sigh to relax their bodies and the puppy, and gives the pup a hug, saying
something like, "You are just the cutest puppy I've
ever seen," holding the pup for a few seconds close
to their body and then offering the pup a tasty
treat. The goal is to wait until the pup relaxes,
then release and give the treat.
The
next time the puppy is passed,
each person holds the pup under
the front arms like holding a
baby with the pup's eyes below
theirs. When pups are suspended off
the ground and nothing bad
happens, the
pup learn that humans are bigger
and stronger and yet very gentle
and trustworthy. Puppies learn
that people are strong enough to
take charge and remove their
freedom to escape but do not
abuse that power. Instead, the
pup learns to associate people
with friendly touch and treats. By
being passed from one person to the other, the pup
generalizes that all people are powerful and
friendly. You want the puppy to
learn,
These people are friendly,
powerful
cookie givers!"
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