How to Socialize Your Puppy - Do's and Don'ts

Teaching your dog or pup socialization skills is essential for safety of your dog as well as other dogs and people who he comes in contact with. A dog that is properly socialized is a happy doggie, and a joy to be around. A poorly socialized canine, however, can be a danger to other animals and people. Socializing your puppy should be done when he or she is as young as possible. The socialization lessons a young pup learns are hard to undo, and it’s important to remember that the skills that the pup learns will always affect his behavior.   

A dog that is taught proper socialization skills will not be aggressive or frightened towards other humans or animals.  It will take every new experience in stride, and won’t become aggressive or fearful.  The ones that aren’t properly socialized often lash out and bite because of fear, and thus become more of a liability than a lovable pet.  Dogs with poor or no socialization skills have trouble adapting to new situations. 

Puppy socializing should begin when the puppy is still at around twelve weeks or so of age.  It’s still important to keep up with the training, though, even after twelve weeks.  It’s also possible to socialize an older dog, but it takes more work since the initial, important 12 week period has passed.  There are so many do’s and don’ts involves socialization training.  To start with, here are some do’s that you that you can try: 

·         Make each socialization event as easy-going and pleasant as possible.  If a puppy’s first experience with anything new is unpleasant, it’ll be rather difficult to undo that in the pup’s mind.  In some instances, an early trauma can turn into a phobia that will never go away.  It’s best to take things slow when socializing a puppy so that he doesn’t become injured or frightened. 

·         Invite friends over to meet your puppy.  It’s important to invite as many different people as possible, including women, men, young adults, kids, and so forth.  The circle of acquaintances should include as many people as possible. 

·         Invite other animals over as well, including puppies, dogs, cats, hamsters, etc.  Of course, before trying to introduce your puppy to other animals, make sure that they all have their necessary vaccinations, including rabies shots. 

·         Take your puppy around to different places.  Puppy socialization needs to be taught in a variety of places, which can include grocery stores, shopping centers, parks, playgrounds, and your neighborhood.  You can also take the puppy for short rides in the car.  Stop occasionally and allow him or her to look out the window. 

·         Introduce your pup to different items that may be unfamiliar.  Ordinary items such as boxes, bags, vacuum cleaners, and umbrellas may frighten him, so try to encourage the puppy to explore such objects.  You can do this by rearranging the items that the pup is already familiar with by placing chairs upside down or tables on their sides. 

·         Get him or her used to common, every day procedures like hair brushing, taking a bath, getting ears cleaned out, etc.  Make sure to introduce your puppy to leashes and collars before trying to take him out for a walk. 

DON’T 

·         Don’t take the puppy out whenever a strange animal is present.  A small attack by an unknown animal can be enough to hurt your chances of socializing your puppy.  This is obviously a risk you do not want to take. 

·         Don’t inadvertently reward for fear-based behavior.  If a puppy shows fear,  you’ll naturally want to comfort him, but in the long run this will hinder the chances of him learning socialization skills.   

·         Don’t attempt too much too soon.  Young pups have rather short attention spans, and continuing lessons even after his attention span is up will be a waste of both your time and the pup’s. 

·         Don’t wait too long to begin socializing new puppy.  There’s a short window of opportunity in which to begin with the techniques.  A young pup is like a blank slate, and it’s important that you fill it with positive skills as soon as possible. 

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By Danny Taylor