Teenagers are handful

Teenagers are hard to handle

Some weeks, all the dogs we see are powerful, full-moon-crazy adolescents who need training to fit in with a new family. Too often, we allow puppies to do “cute things” when they are under 10 lbs. and their teeth are the size of rice grains. As a 10-lb puppy grows into a 40-lb teenager, jumping up on everyone, nipping at the feet, and shoulder-yanking free-for-all walks are no longer cute.

Training is critical as a puppy enters adolescence. Young puppies typically enjoy playing with other puppies and don’t exhibit dog-reactive/selective behaviors. Yet, how dogs relate to other dogs will change through adolescence. The degree of change can depend on their early socialization, genetic makeup, and the training they receive.

Dog owners can help their adolescent/adult dogs through this period by following these suggestions.

Avoid overly aroused play situations. When a dog plays too roughly, remove him. Choose less stressful venues. Visit the dog park when fewer dogs are present, making sure that at least some of them are mature adults.

Reinforce calm behavior. If a dog begins barking excitedly when approaching a dog or playgroup, turn around and walk her away. Leave and only resume/return when she is calm again. If she cannot calm down, then take her home.

Continue introducing adolescent dogs to well-behaved adult dogs. This means the dog interacts well with young dogs but will interrupt inappropriate/rough behavior. Interruptions typically consist of a quick, deep sound, not a confrontation lasting several seconds.

Allow dogs to rehearse only desirable behavior. Whatever the activity, it should shape the dog to be well-behaved. What a dog practices, he/she becomes good at! This could be lunging at strangers or sitting calmly.

Teach dogs to calm themselves down. This is critical to good dog health. While watching TV, have the dog on a leash and ignore her. If she climbs up, gently move her away from the leash. If she barks, ignore her. Wait until she settles quietly on the floor, then quietly praise her. If she jumps up again, start over. Practicing this “Settle” exercise regularly will teach a dog that calm behavior is how to get positive attention.

Training a dog is a time commitment but vital to dogs of all ages. It isn’t one size fits all. It can focus on improving specific behaviors or teaching you about your dog’s specific breed and needs.

Training sets you and your four-legged friend up for success at home and in your community. Windham County Humane Society is fortunate to know several great local trainers.

Check out our website for a list of trainers we recommend. Trainers

Wags to Riches Auction and Benefit...is Back!

Please join us for an exciting evening of fun, food, silent and live auctions, raffles, and much more.

Tickets are $68 per person and include appetizers catered by “the Porch,” background music for your listening pleasure, one free drink, and a chance to win fantastic items.

Some of the items: wine tasting in Italy, lodging on Cape Cod, a weekend in Boston and Red Sox tickets, rounds of golf, dinner out at area restaurants, museum and theater tickets, wine baskets, handcrafted furniture, artwork, gift baskets, and so much more!

Space is limited! Buy your tickets today! This event will sell out.

Buy WAGS Tickets

Seeking Auction Items

for Wags to Riches.

After a four-year hiatus, Wags to Riches Auction & Party is returning this May. The beloved event is known for its amazing silent and live auction items. It is one of our largest fundraising events.

Popular items include vacation getaways, wine baskets, restaurant gift cards, work by area artists, tickets to sporting events, or regional theaters or museums. Your help is very much appreciated. If you want to donate goods, services, gift certificates, and baskets, please let us know by email.

All items should be dropped off at the shelter or mailed to WCHS by April 20, 2024. Tickets will go on sale in the next few weeks, and we expect to sell out quickly!

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Windham County Humane Society

info@windhamcountyhumane.org

www.windhamcountyhumane.org

802-254-2232

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