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Now that we've established a deeper understanding of what socialization is in Part 1 of our series, and how crucial it is in your dog's life, let's delve deeper into some specific aspects of puppy development that are vital to their socialization process: The "Fear Periods" and "Socialization Windows".

Understanding these periods is essential for any pet parent or trainer, as these stages can significantly influence a dog's behavior throughout its life.

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Have you ever been out with your dog when another dog goes lunging and barking by with a frantic apology from the owner…. “Sorry, he’s wasn’t socialized!”.

Or maybe you were the one with the embarrassing dog (I’ve been there!).

One of the most common things I hear from people when they’re telling me about any bad behavior their dog is exhibiting is often “they didn’t have proper socialization”. 

We hear the term “socialization” thrown around a lot in the dog training world. Most people associate “socialization” with dogs being “dog-friendly”. But that’s not actually what proper socialization is at all!!

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Riding the Roller Coaster: The Ups and Downs of Dog Training

Dog training is a journey filled with twists and turns, much like a roller coaster. Just like the thrills of an amusement park ride, training your furry friend offers moments of sheer joy and triumph, unexpected plateaus, and occasionally, it might even feel like you're plummeting downhill. But don't worry! With Sit n Stay's guidance and over 20 years of positive dog training experience, you're in the best hands for this ride. (click the title to read the entire article)

Don’t let a dog’s deafness scare you away! With a little education and these helpful tips, training a deaf dog won’t be any harder than training a hearing dog. (click the title to Read More!)

 

There are many reasons we occasionally need to stay indoors when normal playtime or walks outside isn’t possible. Sometimes it’s safety for us, our pets, or both! It can be due to an injury on our end or our pets, weather that is too hot or cold, poor air quality or something else!

 

No matter the reason, we all need to be prepared for those moments when we can’t play or walk outside like we want to. Here are some great ways to keep your pup happy AND safe!

Whether you realize it or not, you’re in a relationship with your dog. Maybe not the kind you’d display on your Facebook profile, but make no mistake, it’s real!
This can be a tricky concept for some people. We’re used to thinking of our human family members on one plane and the family dog on another.

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But when you consider that you live together, play together, travel together, and rely on each other for companionship and love, you realize that the relationship you have with your dog can be just as important and meaningful as any other relationship you have.
And just as in all relationships, it takes effort to maintain a healthy one.

When someone says they’re met their soulmate, everyone knows what they’re talking about. They’ve met someone they’re deeply connected to, someone who compliments their life perfectly, who accepts them and loves them just as they are.

When you think about it, those are the same qualities you find in most dogs!

Oh the decisions! Private training or group training? Day training or Board & Train?

The good news is you’ve got options. The bad news is…you’ve got options! You’ve got to decide which method is best for you and your dog.

The bottom line is that you want to keep your dog safe by training her to listen and respond to what you want. And you want to develop strong bonds and a loving, harmonious relationship with the dog that shares your home, your family, and your life. Whichever method you choose, rest assured you’ll have those two important needs met.

Baby, it’s COLD outside!

As you look at your dog’s built in fur coat with envy, remember that the cold weather affects them, too, perhaps in ways you hadn’t realized.

For example, your logical brain might tell you that dogs with fur can’t possibly get frostbite…but those un-furry paws are susceptible to frostbite, just like your un-fuzzy hands.

When was the last time you tried to learn a new skill, something that was totally unfamiliar to you? When was the last time you tried to change a behavior or get rid of a bad habit? Was it easy or hard?

If you’re like most of us, you just have to think back on the last New Year’s resolution you made to find your answer!

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Learning new skills and changing behaviors can be a challenge for all of us, dogs included. Just like humans, dogs have different learning styles and personalities to consider.

Fortunately, when it comes to dog training, you’ve got several options. One of the best options is private training. Here are 7 reasons why it might be the best option for your dog.

We see you. We know you.

That furry creature isn’t just your dog. That’s your baby, your companion, your confidante, your friend, your ride-or-die.

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Your dog is a member of your family!

We know you treat your dogs like it too, by feeding them quality food, taking care of their medical needs, and providing toys and a comfy bed to sleep in.

We’d like to encourage you to take your excellent care one step further, because we’d never want you to experience the heartache of not being prepared should your friend need first aid.

If there’s one thing that can bring delight, fun, focus, family togetherness, and a feeling of purpose, it’s bringing a puppy into the family.

People sought out puppies to adopt during the height of the pandemic as a way to make it through quarantine and shut downs with a little spark in their lives. And many more get puppies as holiday gifts for the kids. And it CAN be wonderful!

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But for many, once reality sets in, many families realize they weren’t truly prepared and turn those pups in to shelters.

One of our missions at Sit n’ Stay is to help families cope with all the good…and the challenging aspects of owning a puppy.