The dogs make me realize that I live a very quiet existence. There are not many people or animals who come into our world. Of course there is the revolving door of teenagers (they come in and out and in and out, but don’t stay long, except for the ones that live here) and the usual family and friends who are animal friendly. So the dogs don’t get to practice their good stranger manners very much. I use to have a better handle on the barking at strangers walking by, but lately I seem to be losing that battle. And strange dogs when we are walking (which we only see 1 out of maybe 5 walks) are not always met with obedient behavior. Sofie knows she is not supposed to jump up on people but lately it seems that many people kind of ask her to because she is little. Lulu just stands at the top of the stairs and growls and moves away. Maybe I need to take the dogs into the city and have them experience a busy street. But I fear Louise will flip out. But if they do not experience more people and animals and ‘busy – ness,’ how will they learn that it is OK? Hummm, this is a dilemma. How do you train the dogs to situations which you rarely encounter but want them to know how to respond to? I guess I should move (just kidding).
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤ 
DogDaz Zoo 
monicastangledweb
July 3, 2012 at 02:02
What a conundrum. Seems like if you ever did move, it’d be hard for Sofie and Lulu. Unfortunately, I don’t know the answer. My dog isn’t the most well behaved. He barks like crazy whenever someone new comes over, or someone he hasn’t seen in a while. So I’m not the best trainer. I’m pretty lousy at, actually. Sigh.
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dogdaz
July 3, 2012 at 06:45
I think most of us aren’t trainers and we are trained by our animals. LOL
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Doggy's Style
July 3, 2012 at 04:50
Shock therapy lol, might sound brutal but after taking Doggy to a 3 street fairs (gay pride and the final of the Euro 2012 included) he seems to handle people in a different way, the first couple of minutes he freaks out, wouldn’t move from between my legs, I keep pushing him away and after a good 10 minutes he’s normal, still a little shy but he’s getting better at it, now I take him to every possible place I can, he was a country dog for 4 months and only 3 being a city dog, he still has much to learn.
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dogdaz
July 3, 2012 at 06:46
Oh my – for a minute I thought you meant hook them up to a Electric Shock machine. LOL. Glad Doggy is figuring out how to be in the world of parades and fairs. I think Lulu would have a heart attack.
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Genevieve Petrillo
July 3, 2012 at 06:08
Mom takes me to the park, Petco, around the neighborhood, to craft fairs, and tomorrow, I’m going to a parade. I’m still practicing how to say hello politely. Mostly, I say, “I love you! I love you. I love you. I love you.” and I try to kiss people to death. Apparently, that is not showing the best manners.
Too much love and impolite licks,
Cupcake
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dogdaz
July 3, 2012 at 06:47
You can kiss us anytime, Cupcake. But you are suppose to wait to be asked first. LOL
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berkassistant
July 3, 2012 at 10:15
Do your woofs have their own special blankets? Our little guy Bodhi wants to show you how he loves taking a nap on his Fluffy! http://berkshireblanket.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/dogs-love-blankets-too/
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dogdaz
July 3, 2012 at 12:36
Bodhi is tooo cute. Lulu has a sheepskin piece that he has had since she was fostered and sleeps with it. Sofie has Beaver, her lovey. They both have sheepskin and soft blankies in their kennels, which they sleep in every night. Thanks for stopping by,
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Jodi Stone
July 3, 2012 at 13:38
I think exposing them in small increments works. If you know something is coming up, you can try introducing slowly. Like a new baby. Get a doll, hold the doll, let them sniff the doll and get used to it. Just my thoughts….
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dogdaz
July 3, 2012 at 15:17
We are long past babies, but I understand what you mean. Thanks
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tinykitchenstories
July 3, 2012 at 15:01
We have the same problem! Let me know if you figure it out. 🙂
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dogdaz
July 3, 2012 at 15:17
I guess maybe more dinner parties 🙂
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Misty Shores Chesapeakes
July 3, 2012 at 18:19
One way of socializing is to take them to pet friendly places such as the pet store and make sure to have lots of treats with you that you can let the strangers give to them. There are also other training techniques you can use at home but requires the cooperation of your guests. Have the dogs sit when the guests arrive, lots of treats and praise if they do it and if not repeat. (this is the short version) just throwing it out there. Good Luck!!
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dogdaz
September 24, 2012 at 08:06
Thanks so much. The pet store is an evolving adventure.
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Bassas Blog
July 4, 2012 at 14:30
My walks through the neighborhood ensure that I experience lots of ‘busy – ness’ 🙂
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Jessica
July 4, 2012 at 20:14
I have learned while being a dog owner that, overall, dogs can remember a lot more than what we give them credit for! So, I’m thinking that, with the few opportunities you have to train your doggies during busy situations, they are retaining quite a bit!
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dogdaz
July 4, 2012 at 22:15
Thanks – I will remember that. I know that everything is really a training event.
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