ÉLEVAGE DES PICARDIERS

Lots of socialization is a must!

 

It goes without saying that socialization is not specific to Berger Picard but this breed requires more than the average breed, for that reason, I find it important to outline the rudiments to anyone interested by the Berger Picard. The Picards needs to be thoroughly socialized throughout their first 12 months (and not only during the the true socialization perido of three to sixteen weeks).  It the Picard was not properly socialized during its first year, he may be timid with strangers.

 

A well socialized pup will become a balanced dog with whom you will be able to share a huge range of activities and pleasures.

 

Socialization of puppies

 

What can be cuter than a happy Picard puppy wagging his tail to welcome everyone he encounters? What’s sadder to see one moving away from visitors, with a worried look, hiding behind its owner’s legs?

 

Temperament is shaped by genetics, the nature of the individual and the environment.  So, as a puppy buyer, it’s your job to check to make sure that the socialization started at the breeder's home is continued in his new home and environment. It’s also your duty to make sure that the environment in which he grows allows him to explore, enjoy new experiences and make new friends. This does not necessarily happen by itself!

  

The importance of puppy socialization

 

Dogs do not generalize as well as humans. Even though they are happy about meeting new people at your house, it doesn’t mean they will want to do the same in unfamiliar surroundings. In order to help a Berger Picard puppy, you can provide him with new and positive experiences in different environments so that he learns that new people and new places are synonymous of fun.

 

 

Puppies must also accept to be examined by strangers; indeed, that’s really what happens when you bring him to the veterinarian. A well kept puppy will not normally need to visit the vet often; the latter shall remain somewhat a stranger. The puppy must accept to be manipulated, hold and examined from every aspects even if it tickles.

Fear periods

 

Another factor to consider is that all puppies go through fear periods during their development. During these periods, the puppy may feel frightened by something or someone, even just a loud noise. A fear occurring during this period can linger for the rest of its life.

 

The first fear period occurs around the eight of nine weeks of age and lasts for about a week. This timing explains why many breeders are reluctant to allow their pups to leave for their forever homes before that age. Another fear period sometimes called the avoidance period happens when the puppy is around six to eight months and last about two weeks. During these two weeks, avoid pushing your Berger Picard puppy to do more than he is capable. Traumatic experiences during this fear period may lead to lifelong challenges. If you find yourself in a frightening situation for your puppy, redraw from this situation in the most positive way and make sure to expose your pup to the same stimuli ounce the fear period is over. If you think that your puppy has developed a fear reaction to some stimulus, you may want to work at reducing the fear through exposing your pup to that stimulus in lower intensities. 

 

Dogs see the world differently than humans

 

 

One of the most important reasons to socialize your Berger Picard puppy is to get him used to different environments. For us, the environment is quite simple. It has a certain aspect and we perceive different sounds. Our senses of smelling and hearing are not as acute as those of a dog. For a young puppy, what’s surrounds him is a confused mixture of colors, sounds, smells and textures. So, bring him along to new locations. Do not always go to the same spots and locations – go downtown, to the post office, to the bank automated banking machine, go car riding. If your librarian is tolerant, bring him to the library. Bring him everywhere you can. By asking permission, certain restaurant managers will accept to let your puppy in on terraces. It’s a wonderful place to ask him to sit or lie down under the table. Your Berger Picard puppy will meet new people and some will ask to pet him.

Bring your puppy at your workplace

 

When possible, bring your Berger Picard puppy to your workplace. Make him a bed under your desk or workspace, so that he can be close to you but out of the way of feet and wheeled traffic like office chairs.  A puppy pen represents a small expense compared to the benefits you will gain if you dog have permission to follow you at work.

 

Retail businesses

 

Bring your puppy to all the stores that sell dog food and accessories. Do not hesitate to stand outside the principal entrance of a big box store or the grocery store for about 20 minutes. Your puppy will most likely attract people and this is such an easy way to socialize him.

 

I also bring my puppies to the bank. Once the bank is closed, I bring them in to the automated banking machine. They get used to glass-paned doors and motor doors that open automatically. I also try to bring them in commercial buildings where they can get used to escalators (first, I hold my pup in my arms).  Some shopping centers allow on-leash dogs. Make sure to ask before going in with your puppy.

 

Bring your dog to the park

 

Go for a walk in the neighbourhood parks. The first few times, it’s best to go when there only a few people in the park. Then, choose sunny week-ends when the park is quite busy.

 

Make sure your Berger Picard puppy learns to behave with children

 

In order to socialize your puppy with children, bring him to schoolyards and playgrounds. Do not get close to children, they will most likely be attracted by your pup anyway and will come on their own.

 

Allow kind children to pet your puppy, touch his feet and tail, stroke him under his chin and behind his ears. Watch closely and make sure that the children handle your puppy gently. Otherwise, take him in your arms and go away without making a fuss. Also, be sure that your puppy is docile with children. It must go both ways. I tend to bring very young pups to places where older children play and when the puppies are order; I allow them to play with younger children.

 

Learning to feel comfortable in crowds

 

Outer events like flea markets, sidewalk sales, public markets are blessings for puppies socialization.  Make sure to leash your puppy when people are flocking, you want to socialize your pup not get him walked over!

 

Dog training

 

Dog obedience courses are a great opportunity when you have a joyful puppy. Often, those classes are full of bigger rambunctious dogs. The best way to go about it is to start with a kinder garden class. se your personal judgement. If you pup is already used to noisy areas and shows no fear, obedience course might just be the thing for him. Often, you can visit the class first without registering.

 

You can also bring him to show handling class where emphasis is on learning on walking on leash and accepting to be handled by strangers.

 

Problems can occur…

 

When going out with your Berger Picard Puppy, make sure to always bring along poop bags to clean up after him. This way, you will always be welcomed everywhere you may choose to go. 

 

If you puppy shows signs of fear, do not be overly worried. It’s not surprising he might feel a little worried when strangers lean above him. Either take him in your arms to bring him to eye level or ask the person to lean to his level. Let the people pet him on his back or under his chin rather than on his head. If your pup feels uneasy, don’t make a fuss, otherwise your pup may feel even more frightened. After all, you want your pup to overcome this feeling!

 

Beware of dog parks!

 

Dog parks are not the best place to socialize a puppy. Other dogs may be malicious.  Most owners are not paying much attention at what is going on in the dog park.  Dog parks are simply not the place to socialize a puppy.

   

Be prepared

 

Always carry in your pocket or pouch dog treats. If your pup feels uneasy about an object or situation, be ready to offer him a treat as soon as he shows that he wants to investigate what has surprised him. It’s also a good idea to ask people to offer him a treat.

 

Some people want to be left alone…

 

 

Don’t let your puppy annoy a person that doesn’t care about him. Some people are allergic or simply scared of dogs, even puppies. You will identify those people easily: they don’t look at you or your puppy.  Continue to walk while talking to you pup; he must learn that he must not insist to meet everyone.