How to Train an Anatolian Shepherd During the Sensitive Period
Introduction How to Train an Anatolian Shepherd During the Sensitive Period
Anatolian Shepherd puppies are the cutest, softest, bundles of joy! Looking at my dog’s puppy pictures really gives me puppy fever! But here’s the thing, they grow up fast and it’s important to socialize early. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are bred for their independent protective qualities. How to train an Anatolian Shepherd is more than just teaching “sit” it’s developing a stable and confident puppy during the sensitive period. Make sure you’re signed up for my emails (Click Here to Sign Up!) for more behind-the-scenes socializing and training updates!
What is the Sensitive Period?
The sensitive period is the 3-to-20-week age range in puppies. This sensitive period simply refers to the approximate age and time that puppies most easily learn to accept new things. The sensitive period is the optimal time to socialize puppies. If puppies are not socialized during this time, they will have more difficulty as an adult dog adjusting to new people, places, noises, the list goes on. Dogs can become very fearful as they mature if positive socialization during the sensitive period is missed.
Socializing is Critical for Anatolians
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs should be suspicious of anything new in their territory! However, we don’t want them fearful and unconsolable in the presence of a new area or sound. Spending time during the puppy socialization period will help form a stable and confident guardian. Making sure socialization is done in a kind, encouraging, and sometimes playful manner is key to early socialization.
Socialization Goals:
- Connection
- Confidence
- Happiness
- Handleability
- Trust
- Calmness
Doorways
Did you know going through a doorway can be scary for a dog? Have you ever seen someone dragging or trying to pick up a hundred-pound animal through the doorway at a vet office or pet shop? Newsflash! Anatolian Shepherds are usually over 100 pounds as adults and dragging dogs can cause joint damage! Even if your Anatolian Shepherd puppy lives outside, they will eventually need to go somewhere. You may even have an emergency where fencing comes down or a barn catches on fire, and they have to come inside. Practice going in and out of your house, garage, shed, barn, and rooms/stalls therein.
Different Textured Surfaces
Walking from one surface onto another is a great way to build confidence and train your Anatolian Shepherd puppy.
- Grass to Gravel
- Gravel to Pavement
- Pavement to Grates
- Carpet to Laminate
- Wood to Rugs
- Tarps to Boards
- Use What You Have!
Make it fun! Build a “Confidence Course” in your yard. Give lots of treats! Use a toy to provide a fun break if your pup is getting overstimulated and not able to move onto a new surface. Walking in front of them, touching the surface with your hand and letting them smell your hand, or sitting on the new surface can help build trust with your pup, too. Make sure surfaces aren’t too slick. Slipping and falling can cause damage to joints!
Sounds
Exposure to different, loud, and weird sounds during the sensitive period is important for livestock guardians. The backfiring of a vehicle, a low flying airplane, or simply a tractor starting should not be a source of fear for your adult dog. Introduce sounds that are loud from a distance and slowly decrease the distance. The object is to have the sound noticed but not send your puppy cowering behind you. If it’s a noise that is not constant, like a firework use a high value treat at each sound. Also make sure you give enough time between sounds to direct your puppy’s attention back to you and keep them at a calm state.
How to Train an Anatolian Shepherd Puppy for Success
Start socializing at home with your puppy. Make socializing experiences daily, short, and fun! Reward curiosity. Go at a puppy pace; each step is progress. You don’t need to do everything in one day: just a little bit every day.
Conclusion
How to train an Anatolian Shepherd Dog isn’t just making them learn a bunch of commands. Setup success by socializing through the sensitive period and making new experiences into something good. You aren’t going to make your Anatolian Shepherd into a Labrador Retriever but you can still have a calm confident dog walking by your side into the vet’s office. Your time and patience in the beginning will pay off in a lifetime of partnership with man’s best friend.
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Nice, easy to read article with lots of FUN pictures and info!
Good work Zuri!