Axel – Finding Distractions

When we talk about socialization, we always train people to distract a pup when they are anxious rather than try to physically calm them because the distraction tends to snap them out of state of mind that causes the anxiety.  If you physically try to calm them by stroking the pup, you may actually reinforce the anxiety.  To do this, you need awareness of the signs that a pup has an issue, creativity of new and innovative distractions and a lot of distractions available at a short notice.  Pup Care Participants have jackets with large pockets and zippers to carry bones, hide, meat, ice cubes etc., whatever is the preferred distraction for the day.  As the pups’ age, they will gain more access to larger spaces and they find their own distractions.  In the last few weeks, the pups have been utilizing the Pack Holding Area and a beaver head has been the distraction of choice.  In this photo, it’s a deer scapula.  When they join the Exhibit Pack, who knows what they will find.