Most of the work for this section is already done. Every time you have presented a new object to your dog, you’ve helped them realize new things can be fun. When we proof training cues by changing our posture, or jumping, or clapping, we’ve shown them that novel motions aren’t necessarily scary either.
While none of these were directed at helping our dog cope with new or different situations, they do have the general effect of making future new things less frightening. Your dog is used to new things, and knows that new things often mean treats.
Now we are going to ‘proof’ this concept by adding that new places can be fun too. We’re stepping out the door and having fun with it. Hopefully.
Is Your Dog Afraid of Car Rides?
If you have to travel by car to get to your groom shop, spending some time desensitizing the car itself can be helpful. Your dog may love car rides because they know it leads to the park, or a hiking trail, or someplace fun. If the only place they ever go is the vet or the groom shop though, the car may represent a feeling of dread to them.
If your dog hates car rides, you can start working on novel situations by training around the car. Have your pup on leash and walk toward the car as if you’re going to hop in, treat, and then walk away.
Your pup might be a bit confused. “We normally get in the car!” but they’ll quickly realize that this isn’t the name of the game today and be more excited with it.
Check your dog’s body language. Are they eager and excited about approaching the car? If they’re still doubtful, repeat this the next day. If your dog enjoys going for walks, you may be able to farther improve your dogs outlook on these training sessions by taking them for a walk without going in the car at all.
The day after your dog is eager to approach the car, try opening a car door. If your dog hops in, treat, praise and let them exit. Great job! If they don’t, do not ask them to. Simply practice approaching the car with the door open, treat, and then move away from the car.
Next, get in with your dog in the back seat, door open, feed them a string of treats, and get out. The next day, shut the door for the treats. The next day, turn the car engine on ,but don’t go anywhere.
By going a little farther each day, you can build up to your dog being happy for a short car ride. This is important, because a dog who begins their groom experience stressed and perhaps a little car sick, is starting the day off on the wrong foot.
If your dog loves car rides and already thinks going is the best thing in the whole world, this may not be necessary to do.
The Hardware Store
Many hardware stores such as Lowes and Home Depot are dog friendly. They do not mind if you go and browse the gardening section or admire a new bath tub with your dog in tow. This is a great place to get your pet used to seeing new things, new places, and new experiences without it being somewhere unpleasant.
Try practicing basic obedience in the back alleys of the aisles, treat them for being there, and generally make it a marvelous time.
The Park
The park offers a fresh change of scenery and gives your dog a chance to see somewhere new and different, while also having a blast. Let them sniff as much as they like, explore, and have a good time. No treats necessary here, your pup will no doubt enjoy himself mightily without the need for snacks.
Pet Stores
If your dog’s groomer is inside a pet store, choose one that isn’t the groom shop at first. Visit a completely different one, maybe let your pet choose a treat or a toy, and leave. Once your pup has been exposed to a pet store and relaxed enough to enjoy the experience, you can move on to happy visits with your groomer where you visit the groom shop, eat some treats, and leave.
Why This helps
Wait a minute, you might be saying. Except for the car thing, there’s barely any training at all! These are outings for my dog!
The reality is that whether you intend to or not, you are training your dog every day. When you come through the door and they excitedly greet you, your response to them has trained them to expect a joyous greeting. When you ignore them when they sit by the door, you’re training them that this will not result in the door opening.
Here, you’re not doing drills with the park, but you’re teaching them that the world outside the home is okay. They may smell ducks, geese, or other dogs. They may smell motor oil, kids, perfume. They may see a man in a funny hat, the erratic movements of children.
All of these exposures give your pup a chance to habituate. Those sights, sounds and smells are added to their brain as a normal thing that happens when you are having fun at a store or a park. They love getting to “go” and being out with you, so seeing these things can help.
Habituation vs. Sensitization
If your dog gets spooked by a situation, such as off-leash dogs suddenly descending on them unexpectedly during a walk, they may become sensitized to other dogs rather than habituated. When a dog is sensitized, they increase fearful reactions to something rather than decrease them.
This is usually caused by repeated exposure to something they find scary, or a one-time very traumatic incident like a dog attack.
When exposing your dog to the world, take care to protect your dog as much as possible from these incidents. Sound ways to protect your dog include:
- Avoid off leash dog parks
It’s too easy for another dog to attack or bully your dog, creating a negative experience. It is especially hard in today’s modern day because Covid puppies were not well socialized, so we are more likely than ever to have a dog act out and frighten your pup. - Bring an umbrella, pepper spray or other defense.
If you see an off-leash dog barreling toward you, their owner either on their phone or yelling, “he’s friendly,” the end result is never great for you and your pup. Opening an umbrella between you and the other dog is often a good way to protect your dog, force space, and give you a chance to pick up your pup.
Pepper spray is another option, but it can end up getting you and your pet too. It’s hard to completely avoid irresponsible dog owners, but protecting yourself should definitely be a part of your plan. - Know your dog
Does your dog love strangers? Pets from strangers may be a way to improve their experience. Does your dog hate strangers? Letting some weirdo pet them may cause them to think every stranger is going to touch them. If your dog doesn’t love strangers, it’s better to save that for a proper training plan than during your exposure to new settings.
Your Homework
Go out and have an adventure with your pup this week. Take them somewhere fun! Let them enjoy being out with you. You know your pup best, so choose places you think they’ll enjoy, even if that place is a pile o’ pillows at grandma’s house.
Keep going to at least one outing a week for several weeks, so your dog has a chance to learn about and thoroughly enjoy new settings.
I suggest you continue adventures forever, but even a few weeks is good. Remember, your pup has a limited time on this Earth. One day that collar will be empty, and what you will have left are memories of the adventures you went on. There won’t be any of those if you didn’t go on any of them, so get out there!
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- How To Maintain Your Pet’s Weight During Groom Training
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- Introducing the Groom Lead
