Training and socialization

Image from Matterhorn GSMD website.

No matter where I get this puppy from, he or she will require training and socialization. Laziness and apathy in terms of the dog’s education will create a dog that can’t be trusted in public, and regardless of our lack of experience in dog training.. we cannot let this happen. Swissies are a working dog personality and have a tendency towards climbing hierarchy within their family. They can be stubborn and willful in their adolescence. All dogs have this innately in their nature, some more than others.. but the reason it’s especially troubling in a Swissy is because this dog will likely be 115-135 pounds at full grown. These are incredibly strong dogs that can easily overpower someone if one decides to go after another dog or run across the street after a cat. This is one of the reasons the GSMDCA doesn’t recommend this dog for a newbie. #1 reason these dogs get surrendered to a rescue is because the owner couldn’t deal with the dog and behavioral issues cropped up.

So I am determined to not be a statistic, and trying to figure out ahead of time how we are going to train this dog.

First off: There is Socialization. Week 9-11 of a puppy’s first year is considered to be the Fear Inprint/Impact period. During this time it is incredibly important for a pup to be exposed to children, men, other dogs and all sorts of experiences. They need to be positive experiences because any negative impact that happen during this time will imprint on the pup and could cause issues later down the road. I found THIS ARTICLE that adequately maps out the socialization process of puppies and what one should do in the first 30 days after you bring the puppy home.

Once the pup gets its second round of shots, it should be ready to go to some sort of Puppy Kindergarden. There are all kinds; everything from group classes at big box stores like Petco and Pet Smart and ones at professional dog schools. There’s lots of methods to consider: everything from off leash, to leashed training. Clicker training to food reward system. I am still researching this, but so far all I do know is that I want to work in a Positive Reinforcement system. I’m not too interested in the kind of school that just lets the puppies run around and play the whole time. I’m look for something with a little more structure.

I am told that the best way to go about this is to actually go and check some of these schools out and sit in on them. This is going to be my goal before the puppy gets here. I have found three that seem to have a robust enough program that I could continue my dog’s training into Obedience as he or she grows. Two are in Santa Cruz and One is in Los Gatos. All have weekend classes THANK GOD!!!

Santa Cruz:
Living With Dogs
Bingo Dog Training

Los Gatos:
Sirius Dog Training

I also found one that may not be good at first but sounds kind of fun to do when the dog is older. Its a school taught by a guy who trains K-9 cops. He has a lot of experience with dominant personality breeds and his program also included obedience and therapy dog training. It’s in Corralitas, CA.

The K-9 Clinic