Jan 27th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Turtles have long fascinated many people in many ways. Their distinct physical features, behavior and potentially long life expectancy attract many people to see these incredible animals.
Owning turtles as pets is said to be rewarding. Raising turtles has been practiced by many cultures in the past. In some countries, baby ones and hatchlings are trapped and sold as home pets. Children and grown ups alike are both seen engaged with caring for them.
Exactly what are turtles and how do they reproduce?
A turtle is the only reptile sporting a shell. Turtles are present in nearly all warm regions of the world. Most of them thrive on land and freshwater while few can be found in seas and oceans. The land dwelling kinds are most often known as tortoise while water dwelling ones may be called terrapins.
The turtles body, both organs and backbones, are encapsulated in the shell, affording protection to its head, neck, and limbs. As a turtle or tortois grows, the materials overlap the shell thus making it even harder. The shell is often strong enough to support 200 times a turtle’s weight.
It is known that turtles have a extremely long life-span, with some having reached 100 years or more. In some species, the appearance of the shell may indicate a turtle’s age. Reproduction cycle involves mating of sexes, fertilization, egg-laying and hatching by females (which normally happens annually).
A Turtles main food source comes from both plants and animals. Its natural diet may consist of fish, earthworms, snails, tadpoles, leafy greens and other numerous aquatic plants.
It has been shown that turtles are smart creatures and have sensitive senses. They can feel vibrations and can see patterns and colors. Their sense of smell appears good at close range especially when determining types of good, though their sense of vision is not so good in some species.
Are some turtles good pets?
Since 1971, the U.S.A. has banned selling turtles that measure less than 1/3 of a foot long. Turtles are commonly known to carry Salmonella bacteria which when introduced to humans may cause death. An example is a case in 2007 where a 4-year old child in Florida died and it was linked to salmonella poisoning from a small turtle.
Turtles can be good pets but caution must be taken when selecting and caring for them. Wash your hands before and after holding them. Refrain from bringing the turtle too close to any of your body parts especially the mouth. And try to avoid moving it around as to not spread possible infections around your home.
Finally, taking care of turtles is not easy, but the efforts can be very rewarding. Turtles, just like dogs and cats, can recognize their caretakers. When trained, they can follow simple instructions and develop habits. They’re said to be playful and loyal.
There are many reasons to check a persons morality, especially if you need to trust someone with your health, money or life (such as a pet store owner or doctor). Looking for criminal records or maybe you’d like to check someone’s property records? This information could reflect the way a person does business. You can never be too cautious.
P.S. For the other pet tips - house train dog info - visit this blog.
Jan 27th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Diabetes
There are essentially 3 ways that you can try to help avoid dog diabetes. This disease is one that you want to avoid so that the dog lives as long and healthy as possible. Even though it is not very common, there are many dogs whose diabetes go into remission just by having their diet, supplementation, and exercise all in good order.
1. Lower the carbohydrates. The majority of dog foods sold in pet stores contain ingredients that are as high as 98% carbohydrates. By minimizing the amount of carbohydrates in your dog’s daily meals, this minimized carb level can go a long way towards diabetes prevention.
The diet is very critical for dogs that are genetically at risk for dog diabetes. It is critical that you study up on your dog breed and make sure that he is getting the right nutrients so that the gene which can store diabetes will not be triggered off.
Golden retrievers are among the most common dogs in the US. Unfortunately, many of these retrievers get diabetes because their owners did not do enough research for their breed type in order to get their diet correct from puppy hood.
2. Seek out the nearest holistic veterinariannear you. talk to the vet about natural medicines. The majority of dog owners miss this very critical dog diabetes prevention step. taking with organic products such as antioxidants and herbs for the immune system can make a massive impact on preventing diabetes, particully for the dog breeds which are genetically at risk for this disease.
Flea medicine and tick insecticides can also trigger diabetes from thetoxic state produced in the body. keeping your dog free of these toxinsyou are helping his immune system stay healthy.
3. Physical exercise! It is sadening to see so many dogs out there who develop canine diabetes that should never have in the first place had they been active and not become overweight. This of course is the direct responsibility of you, the dog owner. If your dog is inactive and gains weight, he can develop diabetes even if he is not a breed that is genetically at risk.
20min energetic walking two to three times per day is all your dog calls for for best health and to keep him in good shape. If you can go jogging with your dog then that is even better. Having your dog swim is also a great option for exercise.
About house training dogs - useful tips from real life.
Jan 24th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
If you’re a breeder of bird dogs, you’ve probably seen a dog whelp the puppies and expel her placenta with no problems. And with some rest and care, she can be back to her healthy, normal self. Although this is true when the mother dog is usually healthy and strong, there can be unforeseen complications, so postpartum care is something that all dog breeders should know and understand.
Within a day of whelping, the bitch should be taken to a veterinarian to be checked. Most vets will also want to look at the puppies, which is also a good idea. You want to be sure, in the mother’s case, that she is still healthy and that no unborn pups remain in her womb and that her placenta ejected completely. If she retains either, she could get an infection (or worse) and die. Most veterinarians will also offer a shot to help her let down her milk and clear her uterus.
For the pups, temperature checks and physical checks can ensure that the babies are all in good health and that there are no immediate problems. For mom, make sure you watch for fever, lack of appetite and diarrhea after birth as these could be signs of a bacterial infection. Any symptoms should be immediately discussed with your veterinarian so that an antibiotic can be prescribed if needed.
Watch mother carefully for the first few days to be sure nothing unusual is happening. If she is to get sick after whelping, it will be during the first week after the puppies have come.
For your part, if all is going well, you will still need to concern yourself with your portion of the puppy’s and mother’s care. Keep their bedding area clean, replacing bedding daily and wiping up all messes as quickly as they occur. Keep everything as clean as possible, but be careful not to overuse cleaning products (especially bleach and similar) as these can cause eye and nose irritation in the newborns.
Eclampsia is another problem to watch for in the new mother. This is often called “milk fever” and is a condition where her body does not produce enough calcium for lactation. This will occur three weeks or so after lactation begins and is a serious problem. If it is caught early, supplements can be added to her food to give her what she needs to make up for it. Symptoms will include stiffness, pain, and a fever with possible seizures. Take her to a vet as soon as you see any symptom.
Your dog may develop an infection of her mammary glands which can be common and you should be aware of. This is especially true as your mom pup nurses her babies and they start cutting teeth. Mastasis can also happen shortly after birth and is distinguished by purplish spots on the teats accompanied by a fever. This is relatively easy to treat with a topical cream.
Agalactia is another problem in which bitches will produce too little milk (or none at all). A vet, on the first examination, can usually tell if this is a problem and will take measures immediately.
While birth is a very natural and typically a process that requires little intervention on your part to go well, you will want to make sure that your mother pup has every opportunity to stay healthy and keep her pups healthy.
Jan 23rd, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
If you are one of the many allergy sufferers you know who miserable it can make you.
Now imagine your dog suffering from allergies and how miserable she must be. She cannot complain and she cannot ask for help. So as responsible dog owners it is up to us to figure out when she is having an allergy outbreak and to provide her with medicine as soon as possible.
Similar to humans, dog allergies are usually passed through genetics from parents to puppies.
There are various things that can cause a dog to have an allergic reaction. The more common dog allergies include dog food allergies, protein allergies, allergies to pollen, and dog skin allergies. Thankfully they are all treatable with proper treatment and monitoring. Change her dog food until you find one that does not trigger a dog food allergy. You should be able to find other treatments for other types of allergies.
If you believe your dog has allergies then schedule a vet appointment. You vet can examine her and then recommend the best course of treatment.
The easiest way to identify dog allergies is to know your dog. Know what “normal” looks like for her. So, when you see something that seems to be out of the ordinary you can take a closer look. This can be helpful not only in identifying potential allergies, but it can help to identify the start of other illnesses as well.
Several symptoms can indicate that your dog may be allergic to something. You may notice that she is always scratching, or she may be gnawing at her skin. There is no sure set of symptoms that you can use to identify your dog’s allergies since there is no telling how a dog will exactly react to something.
So any changes in behavior that you see is grounds for further investigation. Try to find out what is causing the change in your dog’s behavior.
Dog allergies should be identified and treated as soon as you can. This can help you poor little dog to avoid additional pain and discomfort and bring her some relief to her allergy suffering.
If you got your dog from a breeder then it is quite likely that they can tell you if her parents had dog allergies too. That may make it a bit easier to pinpoint what she may be allergic to.
Read the rest of the articles in the dog allergy series.
Stop by our online pet store for all your dog supplies.
Jan 21st, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
In the summertime, it seems as if fleas are all over the place. Thankfully, you’ll be able to find an abundance of flea treatments pretty easily. One common product is pyrethrin which is safe to use as an insecticide. Another choice is IGR, or insect growth regulators, like methoprene and fenoxycarb which will stop eggs and larvae from becoming pupae. When using these and other treattments, treat both the hunting dogs and his areas simultaneously.
Fleas are difficult to kill – their pupa are resistant to most insecticides because of the cocoon they wrap themselves in – and this often results in new fleas being hatched about two weeks after you perform a treatment. What most people don’t realize is that the lifespan of a flea can vary from as little as two (2) weeks to as much as eight (8) months. If you fail to kill the pupa before they hatch you have to start the entire process all over again.
Flea Baths
Using a regular flea prevention shampoo can help with flea control. One thing to be careful about though is flea dips – especially if you have children in the house. Flea dips are very harsh and most leave a residue on your dog – they’re only recommended in cases of very extreme infestation and should be discussed with your veterinarian before use.
Spot On Medications
This type of flea treatment is administered between the shoulder blades of the pet. It’s a monthly treatment that will kill adult fleas for sure, and some brands will even prevent larvae and egg growth. These medications can only be used on dogs older than eight weeks. Water activities, like swimming or baths can make spot on medications less effective.
Pill Flea Treatment
Perhaps one of the easiest and most effective flea control is this one for the simple reason that it acts similar to birth control! These pills are effective for one month and they sterilize any flea that bites your dog preventing them from laying eggs before they die. The other advantage of this treatment is that it doesn’t wash off making it ideal for dogs that stay indoors.
Natural Methods
Looking for a low chemical way to control fleas? First, vacuum everything completely often. This includes carpet, furniture, pillows and pet bedding. Burn or toss the bag immediately. Next, launder everything you can in hot water. Finally, sprinkle dried pennyroyal, pyrethrum powder or diatomaceous earth into rugs, under cushions and mattresses and in pet bedding. (Don’t use pennyroyal if your pet is pregnant.) After a few days, repeat the whole cycle.
Clean from inside out
Fleas love pet bedding, furniture, cushions, and thick carpeting. Vacuum everything before treating your home. Insecticides will reach immature fleas more easily. Burn or trash vacuum bag immediately. The dust and hair in the bag are a flea buffet. Wash pet bedding often in hot water.
In the outdoors, fleas usually stay in wet and shaded places like dog houses or kennels, flower beds, and underneath your deck or porch. If your pet spends time in these or other areas, treat the area. Also, rake and mow the lawn completely to keep fleas away. Rake up leaves from flower beds and beneath bushes to make insecticides more effective in these areas. Clean all pet kennels or carriers and make sure you vacuum the inside of your car. Garages, basements, and other rooms without carpetting should be mopped completely to kill flea larvae creeping in the cracks and crevices.
There are many foggers and sprays that are effective treatments of your home and yard. Read and follow the directions carefully. Heavily infested areas should be re-treated in 2 or 3 weeks.
Fleas can be a nuisssance to both humans and pets. Flea bites can be very itchy and cause skin problems, and even hair loss or infection. Even worse, a very bad flea problem can also cause anemia and tapeworms. As well, flea allergy to lead to dermititis. For these reasons, killing fleas is very important. By following the advice above, your pets and your home can remain free of fleas.
Jan 21st, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
People who own bird dogs seldom treat their dogs like the tools (that they were intended to be), instead they treat them like any other dog owner treats their dog, a loyal friend and companion. One of the things you’ll discover very quickly is that a gun dog makes a great pet, and like any other dog, training them to live in the home is a necessity.
A hunting dog that behaves in the home isn’t hard to achieve, it requires a lot of love, patience and repetition! If you were able to train your hunting dog to do his job in the field, you can easily use that training to teach him to be as good in the house. When any dog is a puppy, you’ll find their attention span is rather short – this is why it’s important to use repetition when training them – they forget very quickly what you taught them, but before you know it, they’ll be doing many of the things you’ve trained them to do by a force of habit. Regardless of your dogs age, you want them to learn that it’s not appropriate for them to ruin your furniture, it’s not appropriate for them to use the house as a bathroom and of course other habits that all dogs can create. For many, this is accomplished quickly and humanely but using the crate training method.
There are many people who don’t agree with crate training. They think that it is mean and cruel to have your dog in an enclosed area. This is very untrue. Dogs have different preferences than humans. They enjoy being in smaller area, it gives them a sense of being safe and secure. This is what a dog crate does for your dog, considering it is done properly.
The crate you use should be large enough for your dog to turn a circle comfortably, lay out straight, and stand up without “hunching over.” For most gun dog breeds, this means a medium to large sized crate. For puppies, a crate sized to fit them as an adult with a “divider” inside to make it smaller while still a puppy is ideal. If the crate is too large, the dog will designate a corner as the toilet and use it. Too small and the dog will feel confined and cramped. A dog will naturally not want to go where he sleeps.
Obviously, your dog cannot be locked in that crate all day, every day. The crate is for when you are not around to supervise your dog’s behavior, such as while you’re at work or sleeping. It’s essential that you let your dog out to potty and for exercise. Especially so with gun dog breeds as they are highly energetic. To get your dog used to the idea of going outside to do his business, take him for walks or take him outside repeatedly, every half hour or so, until he goes. Then reward him for going. It doesn’t take long, even for a puppy, to understand this behavior.
Speaking of puppies, remember that they do not have the control of an adult dog and will probably have accidents inside their crate. First and foremost, do not berate or punish your puppy for this as it sends a mixed message that puppy won’t understand. Instead, put puppy in a safe area and clean up the mess. Make sure that puppy doesn’t see you cleaning up, as this also sends the wrong message.If your dog is still a puppy you’ll have to be patient because they simply don’t have the control of their needs as much as an adult dog does and accidents do happen (both inside and outside the crate). Dog’s are not able to easily understand what they’re doing wrong so don’t punish them for this because they simply won’t understand – the other thing to avoid is cleaning up a mess in front of them because they can get into the habit of thinking this is fine because you’re cleaning it.
Routines are your friend when you’re trying to train your dog. If you do your level best to take them outside at pretty much the same times day in and day out they will eventually figure out that’s when it’s time for them to go to the bathroom and you’ll be happier (and so will they). If you’re using a crate make sure that the dog understands when he has to be there (i.e. when you’re sleeping or working) and don’t forget to take them out of the crate regularly for exercise and play – just like training them to go outside to do their business, they’ll get into the routine of playing and exercising at the same time every day making your training much more effective.
Crate training is the easiest, fastest, and most human way to teach a house break a dog and to teach a hunting dog to behave indoors.
Jan 20th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
If you are thinking about buying a small dog as a pet, remember that for the most part, they aren’t much different to a larger version. Having said that, there are certain points they need to be made aware of when looking after a small dog. Illustrated below are some points you will need to consider for the daily requirements for a tiny breed of dog.
Choosing a Dog
Feeding:
Naturally you’re going to feed your dog daily, but the standard-size kibble at the grocery store may be too large for your dog to eat comfortably. Make sure that your dog gets a kibble which suits his tiny mouth and you could get these along with the premium brand of dog foods. Although if you feed you dog with canned food this should not present a problem.
Taking Care of Your Dog
Methods of containing them:
Every dog needs the following: regular exercise, an outdoor place for his potty needs, and an enclosed area which provides the animal with security. You need to be careful here as the large fencing used to protect a larger dog may just be too big for a small dog, since there are convenient gaps below and in between making it easy for the smaller dog to kneel down and escape through it. It may seem bizarre but it has been know for very large birds to actually take tiny dogs from their gardens. A simple answer to this problem is to construct an enclosed play area which should stop this from happening.
Dog Care
How to train the dog:
While tiny dogs aren’t any harder to train than large dogs, the consensus of many pet experts is that many of them end up spoiled. Be it a pocket or purse-fitting dog, remember that the small dog still belong to that species of animals which follow pack behavior, and incidentally the dog and not the owner leads the pack. It’s a wise idea to make sure your pet is thoroughly house trained, no matter how small and inconsequential the mess might seem when he misses. Dog experts also suggest you make your dog work for you, to keep him responsive to your rules. Never reward a dog with goodies or a meal till he has perfected your command for doing tricks or even simple jobs like sitting or fetching.
Grooming:
Keep in mind that grooming a small dog is slightly different to larger ones and cater for this. Firstly, as they do not get the same type of outdoor exercise that a larger dog does whereby their nails are trimmed automatically, tiny dogs require their nails trimmed on a more regular basTiny canines do not get the same sort of regular outdoor exercise on rough surfaces that controls their nail growth like a larger dog so they will need to be trimmed more often. As they are eating more canned food, their teeth will need to be brushed more regularly (at least twice per week) to eliminate unwanted and harmful deposits. The above makes it clear that it does not matter whether you are taking care of a small dog or a large dog the methods are pretty much the same. These may seem like inconsequential points but they can and will make a big difference to your pets health and happiness.
Jan 17th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Ear infections in gun dogs are one of the most common ailments they have. There are a lot of reasons for them to get one, including the size and depth of their ears. Some breeds are more prone to them than others, especially those with large, floppy ears and those prone to being outdoors. Gun dogs, in this regard, are common sufferers of ear infections. The infection starts as yeast or bacteria grows inside the dog’s ear and works its way into the ear canal.
Symptoms of Otitis
Since ear infections can be quite painful to your dog and can even lead to deafness, it’s important to know what to watch for. Some symptoms will be behavioral while others are more clinical in nature. Watch for:
Your dog has any discharge from their ears which is heavily colored
Your dogs; ears begin to emit a strong, foul odor
Your dog begins to scratch his ears or shake his head excessively
These symptoms can worsen and the infection may become more severe. The deeper the infection goes into the dog’s ears, the worse it will get as it affects the inner ear. This will affect your dog’s balance and ability to hear. The advanced symptoms may include:
Disorientation
Stumbling/disorientation
Inattentiveness to sudden noises
Awkward or unusual eye motion
If you notice any signs that your dog may be having a problem you should contact your vet immediately and find make sure your dog is seen. Failure to care for an infection early on can result in your dog suffering unnecessary discomfort and costing you more money in the long run.
Your veterinarian can find the problem by utilizing a special scope to observe the infection, and sometimes, a cotton swab may be use to get a sample. Ear mites and other diseases can have the same symptoms of otitis, so they must be ruled out before treatment can begin.
Treating Ostitis
Your dogs’ ear infection may be treated in one of two of ways:
A) For a less serious infection your vet may suggest you treat the dog with hydrogen peroxide which you place directly in the ear;
B) For a more serious infection your dog may require a prescription antibiotic or other appropriate medications.
Regardless of the course of treatment that is recommended for your dogs ear infection, your vet is likely to perform a thorough cleaning of your dogs ears before the treatment begins, then they will give the initial dose of medication to show you how to use it and you’ll finish the course of treatment at home.
You should have someone assist you because medication is usually poured or applied into the dog’s ears and having someone hold him down will be helpful. The dog will probably not like it, but it is necessary to rid him of the infection.
Watch your dog carefully. Even after the infection is “cured,” it can come back again and dogs never become immune to it. Remember: the earlier you catch it, the easier it will be to take care of it.
Jan 16th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Are you a hunter who takes his dog out onto the field? If so, you must carry first aid kits, not just for yourself but for your dog, as well. Injuries can occur at anytime, so you should be prepared to treat small injuries before they become very serious. The good news is that there are an abundance of great first aid kits for hunting dogs that you can use at home or out on the field.
While there are many options to purchase a canine first aid kit, it’s up to you to make sure that it’s ‘up to par’ and sufficient to take care of your dogs needs whether you are at home or out hunting. It may be tempting to wrap a dogs wound in whatever happens to be available (a torn shirt, handkerchief, etc) but having a properly sanitary dressing could make a difference between a wound that heals properly and one that can become infected and potentially debilitating. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to preparing your first aid kit for you dog.
Here is what to look for in a good gun dogs first aid kit:
A First Aid Guide
The first aid guide will show you basic first aid for dogs for both small injuries (like wound treatment for scraps) and life-threatening injuries (like mouth-to-snout resuscitation). There should be clear instructions for the use of all items contained within the first aid kit, as well. To be best prepared for emergencies, you should read the first aid guide and learn the basics before emergencies happen. The keyword here is “emergencies” — first aid is not the replacement for regular veterinary visits.
Tweezers
You’d be amazed how convenient a pair of tweezers can be! Just think of all the opportunities your dog (and you) has to wind up with a sliver when you’re out hunting. It might be easy for you to remove a sliver from your finger, hand or arm when you’re out hunting but stop and think about the challenges of trying to remove a sliver from your dogs foot pad or anywhere on their fur covered body while you’re outside. Failure to remove a sliver can result in and abscess that winds up infected and can result in a systemic infection.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Easy and cheap, this liquid is a must-have in any decent first pad kit. Because they are good for sterilizing, it’s a good idea to use them on your dog as a prep. It won’t cause any discomfort or pain. If it comes as liquid versus a sterile pad, make sure to use a sterile gauze pad to properly clean the affected area, before and after treatment.
Remember Iodine?
Iodine is the perfect solution to use to help encourage healing on a wound. This is a bit stronger than peroxide and helps clean wound or cut more thoroughly before you dress the wound with a sterile bandage or pad.
Antibiotic Ointment
This is helpful in easing the sting and preventing infection in cuts, scrapes, bee stings, rashes, and other minor injuries.
Eyewash
This comes in the form of a saline solution to clear debris from eyes and possibly prevent permanent injury.
Trauma Pad
In the event of serious injury where the blood flow is severe, a trauma pad will help stop the flow of blood, seal the wound, and provide you with a great tool for transporting your dog to an emergency vet. Because trauma pads for dogs come in different sizes, make sure the size is right for your dog.
Gauze, Tape, and Scissors
While these tools might seem like they are the most common sense they can often be the most commonly overlooked! They can help you regardless of the type of injury from cuts to scrapes and can help protect your dog from infection if he is playing in a dirty area after being injured.
Don’t risk your dog’s happiness with being out on a hunting trip with you by being unprepared for an emergency. A good first aid kit is a helpful tool whether you’re out hunting or at home. There is nothing that you can do more easily for your dogs’ safety than have a good first aid kit.
Jan 15th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Socializing your dog is an important part of puppy ownership. Too often, puppies who aren’t properly socialized can begin biting – typically because they are afraid. We hope that these hints will help you teach your hutning dog puppy to be more social.
Puppy School
Puppy training classes are great tools for both you and your dog. Through classes, you can learn commands to train your puppy to listen to you like sitting, containing himself, or staying quiet. They also present a great opportunity to ask socialization questions. Call you local pet store or do some research online to find puppy training schools.
If your dog is especially shy, a group class may not be the best situation for him. It can be very scary for a dog that’s shy to be immediately thrust into this situation without developing a level of trust first.
Dealing with a Shy Dog
What do you do when your puppy is shy to the point of being afraid? Never force a fearful dog to accept petting. This increases his anxiety and could lead to fear biting. To help a shy puppy come out of his shell, you’ll need to do a “greeting circle”. Here’s how:
Invite a few of your friends to help you out and make sure you have a supply of your puppies favorite treats. Ask everyone to join you sitting in a circle on the floor and put your puppy next to you (if he’s very shy) or right in the middle of the circle. You want to make sure that your dog doesn’t feel threatened in any way, so one way to do that is to have everyone sitting sideways and facing another person versus a position that might be more threatening to the dog (i.e. sitting staring at the puppy). Make sure that you don’t frighten your puppy by leaning over them as they might see this as an attempt at domination. Avoiding direct eye contact and sudden movements will also help your puppy be more comfortable.
Have each person place a treat in their hand. Close your hand into a fist, and place it in the circle. One at a time, have them open their hand, palm up, and encourage the puppy to come get the treat. Call his name, make kissy noises, be patient and gentle. When the puppy takes the treat, offer lots of quiet praise. Don’t try to pet him until he’s more trusting.
One by one, each person will have a turn trying to bring puppy to the treat in hand. Start by making it simple for the dog. As he learns the nature of the game and freely walks up to the next hand in line, switch up the pace and randomize the process so that he’s going in a more random direction for his treat.
In time he’ll be running to each person for his treat. When this happens, it’s time to arrange a meet and greet with a very laid back puppy.
The Play Date
All dogs love to play and because of that it’s sometimes very easy to introduce a new puppy or person to your dog and help him overcome his shyness and fears. Try to make sure that you keep an eye on what’s happening and if your puppy appears to be intimidated, take him to another area.
A play date can be a fun and rewarding time for your dog if you set it up correctly. In fact, if you have friends who have dogs who are friendly and lovable (especially an adult Labrador retriever) they’re typically the perfect dogs for play dates with a shy puppy.
You can do a meet and greet at the pet store, too. There is usually no fee for this, so check with your local pet store for days and times. When you do go, watch and take the puppy from the area if he’s uncomfortable or if another dog is pestering him.
If your heading out, take your puppy along. This helps him get used to different smells and sights. Keep some tasty treats close by so that you can reward friendly behavior. If you take him to the pet store, give him a treat as soon as you walk in the door. Let him explore at his own pace.
Puppies always attract people. If your puppy is approached by strangers who want to pet him, inform them that you puppy is being trained. Give them a treat to give to your puppy to help with the training.