Yes, get out of your comfort zone…with your dog, that is!  Do something different to get your dog in different social situations.  How else will you teach him to behave in public?

NY Lunch

I just took Ronan for his very first trip into NYC – yes, The Big Apple!  As soon as we came out of the tunnel and entered NY Ronan was a little anxious.  There was so much going on – tons of traffic, people, noises and general chaos on Canal Street.  Once we made it through the traffic and parked, he was instantly back to his friendly normal self as a man on the street was eager to pet him.

We met my niece and proceeded to walk to lunch.  We had a wonderful meal and Ronan exhibited near perfect behavior, lying calmly at our table.  Next we walked to the office where my niece works (dog-friendly – how awesome!) and he had a blast.  He sniffed where other dogs had previously been and visited the employees and behaved rather well (he was invited back!).

Next stop – Central Park!  We really had a great time there.  We walked around a bit while Ronan checked out the sights and smells.

Central Park

Surprisingly, he had NO interest in the horses! He’d rather be with us and check out the other dogs.  When it was time to leave I had realized what a good boy he had been the entire day. Although he had never been to NY, our previous socialization and training had prepared him and he did great!

They never stop learning and we should never stop exposing them to new situations (er…training!)

Take them to new dog-friendly places:  your favorite coffee shop, lunch, a new park, basically anywhere dogs are allowed. You’re training them and YOU will be admired for how well your dog behaves!  Remember – practice makes perfect!

Enjoy the spring (with your dogs) and happy training!

Stacie & Ronan