Socialize your dog with cats, new people and animals to increase their environmental stability
Socialization is the act of exposing your puppy or dog to novel events, people, animals or stimuli in general such as a blowing fan or louder music. Contrary to old training practices, your puppy or dog doesn't need to interact directly with the person, dog or stimuli to have a positive interaction, which is great news for your nervous puppy!
Many times older puppies or adult dogs are adopted or rescued and already show some fears or insecurities around new people or in new places (such as the veterinarians office!). While older dogs' early socialization period has passed, we can still make great improvements in their socialization and help them to feel more confident around dogs, people, and in new places.
At Appalachian Dog Training we focus on helping the dog to have a positive or neutral experience. We may give treats, praise or pet the puppy or dog in the presence of the novel stimuli. It is important to never push push the puppy or dog to interact more closely than they are comfortable with. In our training programs, your puppy or dog learns that they can feel safe in the presence of new socialization items and have a neutral experience with decreased stress or without fear.
However, we do not avoid people, places, and things the dog is afraid of! We identify all the sights, sounds, smells, people, dogs, animals, places, etc the dog or puppy is afraid of and incorporate additional socialization experiences to gradually increase the puppy's confidence.
Environmental stability is the dog's ability to enter a new building, room, or place confidently. A great example of environmental stability is a dog's ability to walk on shiny or slippery floors with confidence. Another very common example pet owners and veterinarians can relate to is how their dog is normally very confident but nervous, shy or quiet at the vet's office or with the groomer.
Our Training Center in Mills River NC has numerous people, place, things, sights, scents, noises for your dog to conquer! Meet our animal friends below!
Many times older puppies or adult dogs are adopted or rescued and already show some fears or insecurities around new people or in new places (such as the veterinarians office!). While older dogs' early socialization period has passed, we can still make great improvements in their socialization and help them to feel more confident around dogs, people, and in new places.
At Appalachian Dog Training we focus on helping the dog to have a positive or neutral experience. We may give treats, praise or pet the puppy or dog in the presence of the novel stimuli. It is important to never push push the puppy or dog to interact more closely than they are comfortable with. In our training programs, your puppy or dog learns that they can feel safe in the presence of new socialization items and have a neutral experience with decreased stress or without fear.
However, we do not avoid people, places, and things the dog is afraid of! We identify all the sights, sounds, smells, people, dogs, animals, places, etc the dog or puppy is afraid of and incorporate additional socialization experiences to gradually increase the puppy's confidence.
Environmental stability is the dog's ability to enter a new building, room, or place confidently. A great example of environmental stability is a dog's ability to walk on shiny or slippery floors with confidence. Another very common example pet owners and veterinarians can relate to is how their dog is normally very confident but nervous, shy or quiet at the vet's office or with the groomer.
Our Training Center in Mills River NC has numerous people, place, things, sights, scents, noises for your dog to conquer! Meet our animal friends below!
Teddy Bear (Shetland pony)
Teddy Bear is a cutie pie of a pony! He is a 5 year old gelding, very friendly, smart and of course mischievous! Teddy Bear is a wonderful addition to the Appalachian family as he can help show our client, therapy and service dogs that ponies are friendly and nothing to be scared of.
We searched wide and far for such a perfect little pony that would enjoy the dogs and even become bonded to them. Teddy loves going on pony walks, eating nicker treats, and grazing. He is great on a lead and even trained to ride, although I say he's a little short for that!
We searched wide and far for such a perfect little pony that would enjoy the dogs and even become bonded to them. Teddy loves going on pony walks, eating nicker treats, and grazing. He is great on a lead and even trained to ride, although I say he's a little short for that!
Moose (Nubian Goat)
Moose accompanies Teddy Bear in friendship, grazing and trouble. Moose always comes up to us for a pet and a treat. We have even clicker trained him and are teaching him some basic tricks. Moose was bottle raised here and is sweet and gentle with our canine residents and guests.
Moose likes to meet all the dogs that come for training. He also loves people and will try to get a pet and a treat from you.
Barley (Flemish Giant)
Barley is a Flemish Giant Rabbit.
We selected Barley for his gentle temperament and big size which does help him navigate the training center safely. Barley helps out by just being his cute self. Dogs that do not exhibit predatory drive may be able to interact with them directly and all dogs gain valuable experience by working on their training commands outside of their enclosure.
Barley enjoys a big indoor enclosure and also an outdoor pen to enjoy fresh green grass friends!
Bert & Ernie
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The orange tabby brothers are the newest cats on the block! Already very dog savvy, they make new friends with each class.
They often join our pups on the place command and enjoy sitting in the sun watching them work. Bert will let you pet him but Ernie is a bit more elusive. Bert & Ernie will help your dog become more cat-friendly. |
The Legend of Joey (Trainer Katie)
*Joey passed peacefully in December 2022. He was greatly loved and is dearly missed*
Joey is a street dog from Naples, Italy. He was adopted when the owner, Katie, was serving in the Military and volunteering dog training to military families stationed overseas. Joey would destroy crates, doors, and escape all enclosures. He was passed along to 7 homes before he landed on Katie's doorstep for "training". If anyone could help his severe separation anxiety, it would be the local dog trainer. Well, Joey quickly bonded to her senior dog, and the rest is history!
He helps to socialize all the student dogs, wether they are fearful, dominant, or just under socialized. He has an amazing way about them, providing confidence for dogs that are scared, and standing strong to dogs that try to challenge him. He is the perfect example of calm yet assertive. Joey also works as a "tester dog" on Behavior Evaluations for clients and at the County Animal Shelter. There is nothing like a semi-feral street dog from Italy!
Joey is a street dog from Naples, Italy. He was adopted when the owner, Katie, was serving in the Military and volunteering dog training to military families stationed overseas. Joey would destroy crates, doors, and escape all enclosures. He was passed along to 7 homes before he landed on Katie's doorstep for "training". If anyone could help his severe separation anxiety, it would be the local dog trainer. Well, Joey quickly bonded to her senior dog, and the rest is history!
He helps to socialize all the student dogs, wether they are fearful, dominant, or just under socialized. He has an amazing way about them, providing confidence for dogs that are scared, and standing strong to dogs that try to challenge him. He is the perfect example of calm yet assertive. Joey also works as a "tester dog" on Behavior Evaluations for clients and at the County Animal Shelter. There is nothing like a semi-feral street dog from Italy!
Summer (Therapy Dog)
Summer has successfully completed the highest level of training at Appalachian Dog Training LLC, Service Dog, and has been selected for our breeding program. Her genetics, training and temperament will be passed onto her offspring, ensuring healthy, exemplary future service and therapy puppy candidates.
Summer is also a Nationally Certified Therapy Dog, through Alliance of Therapy Dogs. She volunteers at the local rest home, education centers, and for a highly specialized program in our region, the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Western North Carolina serving citizens in time of crisis.
In her time at the Training Center, she is a wild and free instigator, zooming though the fields and play yards. Summer inspires play from every puppy, dog, cat, bunny, you name it. She is always about a good time! Summer loves to learn and continues learning advanced tricks, and Search and Rescue (Trailing). If your puppy or dog needs help socializing, Summer will take him under her paw and change them forever. She is an amazing heart dog, with both people and pets.
Summer is also a Nationally Certified Therapy Dog, through Alliance of Therapy Dogs. She volunteers at the local rest home, education centers, and for a highly specialized program in our region, the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Western North Carolina serving citizens in time of crisis.
In her time at the Training Center, she is a wild and free instigator, zooming though the fields and play yards. Summer inspires play from every puppy, dog, cat, bunny, you name it. She is always about a good time! Summer loves to learn and continues learning advanced tricks, and Search and Rescue (Trailing). If your puppy or dog needs help socializing, Summer will take him under her paw and change them forever. She is an amazing heart dog, with both people and pets.
Sage (Trainer Megan)
Sage belongs to Megan, one of our trainers. Or rather, maybe Megan belongs to her. Sage is a cattle dog, or red heeler, and is as sassy as they come. Sage’s first year with Megan wasn’t an easy one. She was overly mouthy, controlling, and extra bossy with humans and other dogs, which got her into trouble often. With hard work, consistent training, and learning how to be told “No,” Sage has become a helpful member of the crew, and is well on her way to being a full time training assistant for Megan. She has many jobs at Appalachian: distraction dog, confidence builder, behavior evaluator, fun police, and demo dog. When Sage isn’t working, she is out adventuring with her person, hiking, camping, biking, swimming, and she’s always up for something new! She is the perfect trail dog and companion, who only nips at Megan’s heels now when she needs reminding that it’s been too long since the last hike!
Luna (Trainer Morgan)
Stella Luna was rescued from Henderson County Animal Shelter. She was too aggressive for other rescues. We saw hope and opportunity for Luna to overcome her fear and aggression in our Behavior Training program.
When we got Luna she had to be picked up in a towel so she could not bite us. Now she cruises around the training center and at home with Trainer Morgan, meeting new people and dogs everyday.
Luna also had severe allergies which have virtually disappeared with holistic nutrition practices, another wonderful feature of our training programs.
Luna was a lucky one, not all dogs receive this opportunity. She gives back by helping train our clients!
When we got Luna she had to be picked up in a towel so she could not bite us. Now she cruises around the training center and at home with Trainer Morgan, meeting new people and dogs everyday.
Luna also had severe allergies which have virtually disappeared with holistic nutrition practices, another wonderful feature of our training programs.
Luna was a lucky one, not all dogs receive this opportunity. She gives back by helping train our clients!
The Legend of Ziggy
Ziggy was born with a significant heart murmur as passed at the age of 4 years. He was well loved and is very missed!
Ziggy the cat was adopted by Summer from Henderson County Animal Shelter. Summer picked Ziggy out for her 1st birthday present and they still are the best of friends! Ziggy is very helpful in class and provides a nice distraction for dogs practicing their obedience training.
Ziggy loves dogs, dog treats, and even the giant bunnies! Zig is very social with dogs and helps to teach them that cats are not scary, but that the are always in charge of dogs. Cats rule and dogs drool, right Ziggy?
Ziggy the cat was adopted by Summer from Henderson County Animal Shelter. Summer picked Ziggy out for her 1st birthday present and they still are the best of friends! Ziggy is very helpful in class and provides a nice distraction for dogs practicing their obedience training.
Ziggy loves dogs, dog treats, and even the giant bunnies! Zig is very social with dogs and helps to teach them that cats are not scary, but that the are always in charge of dogs. Cats rule and dogs drool, right Ziggy?