Teaching confidence and fearlessness

Labrador puppies are curious, active and extremely playful, they love new discoveries and are open to new experiences. They are also very impressionable their first 6 months of life.

Their first place to explore is their own back yard. It is full of stuff to check out and sniff. Gunner loves his back yard and is eager to get back to it when we go for walks. As he safely begins to experience an ever enlarging world and discovers it is usually a friendly place he gains confidence and trust in me as his master.

Socializing is so important to nurturing a fearless puppy; new experiences, meeting other puppies and lots of people are the key.

I was amazed as I began to socialize Gunner at how many dogs are not friendly. He is an eager friendly pup and loves to meet other dogs but many dogs bark and growl in unfriendly manners which made things more difficult.


Fearfulness in puppies
If your pup appears frightened by something do not push them into it. Try to stay in the pups comfort zone. They will show their fear by:

• hiding behind you
• eyes showing lots of white
• droopy or folded back ears
• tail tucked under the belly

Any of the above are clues you pup is scared. To encourage your pup let him approach what is scaring him at his own pace. If he appears to scared to continue, calmly move him back to a safer distance or head back to his safe home to try again later.

Do not drag your pup towards what he is afraid of or scold him for showing fear. Also don't pick up your puppy every time he is afraid. Stay calm and reassuring so as not to worsen his fear by your nervousness.

Meeting new people
Have treats on hand when you take your pup visiting. As a new person approaches have your pup sit for a treat as they approach, or if they are willing have the new person give the treat. Your pup then associates meeting people with good things. It is important for Labs to meet children, however many children are not experienced with puppies and may scare easily or play roughly. So monitor the meeting closely.

Take your pup for lots of rides in the car, go through drive ups, meet people on bicycles, skate boards or just running down the street. Walk over bridges, grates, splash in water and go up and down stairs. And of course visit the vet, pet food stores, playgrounds and when old enough dog parks. All these are areas of socialization that will help your pup to be confident and at ease with the world.