Golden Retriever Training: Developing Good Relationship With Other Dogs
The golden retriever is one of the breeds described as kind, friendly and confident but despite that, there are still many things they have to learn and that can be achieved through golden retriever training. While some people forego training taking into consideration this breed’s remarkable personality, it’s of absolute importance to conduct it so that the four-legged ones to become reliably well-behaved pets.
Given that pets are expected to behave well in all places all the time, one of the things they need to develop at the earliest possible time is their relationship towards other dogs and other pets in general. As a puppy, they must interact with the mother and other puppies from the litter. It’s during this time that they learn how to communicate with one another using body language such as barking, snapping, howling and many more. This also explains why puppies under eight weeks of age need not be taken from the litter for when it happens, they won’t be able to develop their social relationship thus can potentially result in behavior problems when taken to their new owners.
When they’re already exposed to their litter mates and other typical scenario, it won’t be too difficult for them to adapt to the new environment you brought them into. However, being pack animals, it’s very important to show your dog who the leader of the pack is especially if you have other dogs in the house. Hence it helps to introduce them to each other appropriately to prevent territorial issues and other related issues.
Take the two dogs in neutral territory, in a fenced area if possible. With assistance from a friend or member of the family, be sure that the dogs are far from each other and both have their leash affixed. If no one displays any sign of aggression or stress at first sight, reward them with praise or sweet-talk. Gradually bring them closer to each other and diligently shower them with rewards, be it treat or praise for each good behavior displayed. When one starts showing any improper behavior, ignore and wait until the dog calmed down. Give reward only if they’re showing desirable behavior. Inevitably, both will realize that the only way to get your attention, and treats if they are lucky, is to interact with each other without being too rough and aggressive. At home, provide the new pet with his own comfort zone so as not to make the other reckon that his territory is vulnerable thus prevents issues from developing.
When introducing the two pets, be cautious and alert for whatever problem that may appear as you go along. It also helps to be patient when dealing with this scenario because adjusting to and accepting each others presence is not as easy as clicking the clicker that is helpful in other aspects of golden retriever training.
