Socialization
Puppies have a critical socialization window before the age of 20 weeks. Dogs who are isolated from the world at a young age can become fearful as they mature. From a very young age, a good breeder will have people visit and handle the puppies. He will also try expose the puppy to many different experiences. You can continue this after you bring your puppy home. Ask friends, neighbors, people with children. It is important for the puppy to learn that the world is full of all kinds, shapes, and sizes of people, and not to be afraid of them. They also are excellent observers and learn normal human behavior through socialization.
Dutch Shepherds can do well with other animals if socialized to them. Many still live on farms today. Training your dog in the presence of other animals and well behaved dogs is an excellent way to socialize. But be aware that one scary incident with an aggressive dog can negatively impact your dog for the rest of it's life.
A good article on puppy socialization can be found here.
Dutch Shepherds can do well with other animals if socialized to them. Many still live on farms today. Training your dog in the presence of other animals and well behaved dogs is an excellent way to socialize. But be aware that one scary incident with an aggressive dog can negatively impact your dog for the rest of it's life.
A good article on puppy socialization can be found here.
Training
Dogs like structure and guidance. The Dutch Shepherd is one of the more independent breeds, in that it will make it's own decisions on what needs to be done if you do not give it rules and guidelines to follow. Obedience training is highly recommended. It is not only the training, but the bonding between the owner and the dog that makes it so satisfying. Because of this, training is best done by the owner.
With a Dutch Shepherd, training should be firm, but fair. Excessive punishment will lead to a dog that resents you and will not obey. Positive training is the best method to begin training. Just be careful to keep sessions short without too much repetition, which leads to boredom. For a Dutch Shepherd, the typical one hour training session may be too long. Incorporate training into play time, alternating fun with the occassional obedience command. Always praise enthusiastically!
Find a dog training club near your home. Most member run clubs have experienced trainers who have put advanced titles on their own dogs. Always watch a training class before signing up. If you aren't comfortable with anything you see, go someplace else. If they don't allow visitors, go someplace else. If you don't have experience training dogs and do not have club nearby, enlist the help of a professional to teach you how to train your dog, and to critique your training methods.
With a Dutch Shepherd, training should be firm, but fair. Excessive punishment will lead to a dog that resents you and will not obey. Positive training is the best method to begin training. Just be careful to keep sessions short without too much repetition, which leads to boredom. For a Dutch Shepherd, the typical one hour training session may be too long. Incorporate training into play time, alternating fun with the occassional obedience command. Always praise enthusiastically!
Find a dog training club near your home. Most member run clubs have experienced trainers who have put advanced titles on their own dogs. Always watch a training class before signing up. If you aren't comfortable with anything you see, go someplace else. If they don't allow visitors, go someplace else. If you don't have experience training dogs and do not have club nearby, enlist the help of a professional to teach you how to train your dog, and to critique your training methods.
