The second year of a dog’s life marks a critical time. If the pup's education is ignored your “sweet baby” can turn into a badly socialized and hyperactive creature.

Suddenly a dog starts doing things we thought we already took care of. You trained your furry friend to come when called, sit, lay down, and do all kinds of useful things and now your dog doesn’t listen so well anymore. He found other more interesting “hobbies”. Sniffing on a poop or rolling in the grass becomes far more interesting. You aren’t your pup’s universe anymore.

Making sure that your dog keeps his bite inhibition is super important. Just imagine … what can happen with the more powerful adult jaws!!! Cleaning my dog’s teeth and touching her everywhere (including ears) … etc. makes sure she doesn’t go wild on me or others.

Socializing is easy to neglect once the dog gets older. All the visitors you had are now people your dog knows. If he doesn’t get exposed to other people and the world, it can go downhill very quickly. Let’s change the walking route so that the dog doesn’t see the same people every day. I switch it up by going to a nature park nearby … taking her to Petco, or anything that drags her out of the routine.

If you adopt a dog, chances are it isn’t a puppy-puppy anymore. My Nyx was one year old and the window for easy socialization already closed. It takes extra effort and lots of patience to fix this. Please, if you rescue a furry friend do not give up after a couple of months because you feel it can’t be done. Realize that these animals have been in a kennel for an extended period. How they behave in the kennel when you meet them doesn’t necessarily indicate their behavior when they go to a forever home. The wildest dog in the kennel can be super shy when they are out.

Dogs in our shelter are all evaluated and trained by staff and volunteers. It isn’t perfect but I honestly think that most of our dogs are sweet animals and if treated right will make wonderful companions when they get to a home that is suited for them.

And sometimes a dog blends right into the pack … but don’t count on it, lol.

Christina - Bringing together dog lovers from all walks of life, one paw at a time 🐾