Puppy Socialization Leads to a clear and Well-Behaved Adult Dog

Puppy Socialization Leads to a clear and Well-Behaved Adult Dog

What is puppy socialization?

Puppy socialization is the polite process of exposing a new puppy to daily situations, sounds, and sights, in a definite and non-threatening way, in order to acclimatise your puppy to his environment.

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Why Do I Need To Socialize My Puppy?

Puppy socialization will help your puppy consolidate better, not only into our human world but into theirs too.

Where a puppy is not properly socialized, it will often become really frightened or confused by the simplest of situations, or noises. Under-socialized puppies are often nervous of people and of their surroundings. This fear, or nervousness, could mean that your puppy develops an aggression question and may cause your puppy to bite.

Undersocialized puppies can also be hyperactive, over-excited, and anxious, and are more likely to have behavioural problems later in life. They are very often a danger to themselves and to other dogs and puppies.

Effective puppy socialization slowly introduces your puppy to new experiences, in a safe and controlled environment; helping him to accept new situations and experiences calmly and without over-reacting.

If puppy socialization is carried out properly, your puppy will grow into a well-mannered, relaxed and definite adult dog.

When And Where Do I Begin Puppy Socialization?

Start your puppy socialization programme when your puppy is between 4 and 12 weeks old. A puppy's studying capacity will be at its peak and it will be most receptive to training during this time.

If you've bought your puppy from a pro breeder, (which is always strongly recommended) it's likely that the breeder will have already begun socializing the puppies. A good breeder will handle and stroke the puppies each day to get them used to being picked up by humans, and will continue to socialize them until they are ready to leave their mum and come home with their new owner.

When it's time to collect your puppy, it's a good idea to ask the breeder what socialization it's had so far to enable you to carry on where they left off.

It's foremost to be aware that although the 'socialization window' closes at nearby 12 weeks, it is vital that puppy socialization is continued beyond 12 weeks. Continue to expose your puppy to as much as possible; he may not learn as speedily as before, but your puppy is still capable of learning.

It's unlikely that your puppy will be fully vaccinated by the time you bring him home so it's foremost not to put him down where any other unvaccinated dogs may have been. If your puppy comes into contact with dog diseases at this stage, it could prove fatal. That's why, until your puppy is fully vaccinated, the best (and safest) place to begin puppy socialization is in your home and your garden.

Your breeder may have arranged your puppy's first vaccination with his or her own vet. This will go some way toward protecting your puppy, but you must arrange a follow-up with your own vet, who will suggest you when the final vaccination's due, and when you can safely allow your puppy on the ground.

Much of the puppy socialization process can quite safely be carried out in your home and garden; however, there will come a point when your puppy needs to meet other dogs and contact new situations exterior of the home, ie before he's fully vaccinated. This may not be until your puppy reaches between 10 - 12 weeks old - very near to the end of the time frame for socializing puppies.  You know it's foremost to expose your puppy to as many different situations and objects as possible, and to meet a variety of different people and dogs before he's 12 weeks old. You also know that it could be hazardous to expose an unvaccinated puppy to areas where other dogs have been, but you don't want to compromise the socialization process. What a dilemma!

Your Puppy Is Not Yet Fully Vaccinated

Don't worry if your puppy is not yet fully vaccinated; you can still socialize him outdoors, as long as you don't put him down on the ground where unvaccinated dogs may have passed by - you must carry him at all times.

Until he's fully vaccinated, he can be carried nearby exterior so that the socialization process is not disrupted. For example, you could carry him in your arms and take him to the organery centre, the local market, or a supermarket car park, to allow him to watch and listen to the sound of cars, people, supermarket trolleys, store traders and whatever else that's going on.

If it's safe to do so, stand at a busy crossroads, or by traffic lights, or plainly stand at the edge of a busy road and let him watch, and listen to the traffic. If he remains calm, tell him he's a good boy and give him a treat. Don't reassure him as you'll just be confirming that he's got something to be nervous about. If you have friends or family who have fully vaccinated dogs, it would be safe to let them play and socialize in your own puppy-proofed garden.

Whatever you do, don't stop the puppy socialization process just because your puppy is not yet fully vaccinated.

Your Puppy Is Fully Vaccinated

Once your puppy is fully vaccinated, the sky's the limit. You'll be able to take him for walks on the lead, to meet other dogs in the park, or take him to the beach and watch him run nearby enjoying the sand and the waves!

The 'How' Of Puppy Socialization

During the puppy socialization period, your puppy will need to meet as many people as possible: different nationalities, large, small, short, tall, people with beards, moustaches, glasses, wearing hats, scarfs, hoods, carrying umbrellas, and walking sticks.

We suggest you introduce him to sounds, such as sirens, car horns, traffic, children shouting, screaming and playing, dogs barking, aircraft, loud music, mens' voices, arguing, fireworks, tyres screeching, cats meowing, thunder. The list doesn't end there; there's much, much more that your puppy needs to contact during these few vital weeks.

This may seem quite a lot, but I assure you, it's only the beginning.

Do a little bit of socializing each day, but don't expect too much from your puppy too soon.

As with all puppy training, keep the session short and sharp to preclude your puppy becoming bored; puppies' concentration spans are short!

The key to sufficient puppy socialization is to keep going back to each new situation, place, experience, or object; don't plainly take your puppy to, for example, the supermarket carpark and never return, do this some times. Each time you do so, it will help to reinforce your puppy's socialization.

Don't get stuck in a rut - make the endeavor to vary your puppy's routine (and yours!). Take him out in a car other than your own; visit other homes and as many different places as you can. Ensure your puppy meets different people each day. Puppies who grow up with the same old routine day after day will be missing out on so much improvement potential.

What should you do if your puppy has a negative contact or is frightened?

If your puppy shows fear or nervousness towards something which cannot harm him, for example, an opened umbrella, don't make a fuss, and don't reassure him. If you do, you may be reinforcing his fear; confirming that he is right to be frightened. You are his pack leader and as such you need to show that there is nothing to fear.

Don't try to force your puppy to coming the umbrella - this will only make matters worse. Instead, close the umbrella and put it on the floor. Sit near to it, but ignore it - don't even look at it. Your puppy's curiosity may get the great of him and he may walk over to it and sniff it. If he does, praise him. Continue to expose him to the umbrella until he's comfortable.

At the next session, try chance the umbrella half way. You may want to put a towel inside so that it can't snap shut on a thoughprovoking puppy - now that would traumatise him! When your puppy is relaxed about a half-open umbrella, it's time to open it fully. Leave it on the floor at this stage; you can lift it up over your head later when he's more used to it.

The key is to de-sensitize your puppy gently, expanding the exposure each time until he shows no fear or nervousness at all.

Don't forget to repaymen your puppy each time he fails to react to the object; or, if he does react, repaymen him as soon as he recovers from his fright.

Puppy Socialization Classes

Puppy socialization classes are an ideal supplement to the socialization process. They will also give your puppy an chance to meet with other (vaccinated) puppies and their owners. Your vet or local dog club may be able to suggest a class in your area.

Don't forget, your puppy will need to be fully vaccinated before he can mix with other dogs and puppies - speak to your vet, he will be able to suggest you.

Obedience Training

Puppies also need to be taught good manners and need to learn what is approved and what is unacceptable behaviour. Obedience training is very foremost for your puppy and should be a part of the puppy socialization process.

Teach your puppy basic obedience commands such as 'Sit', 'Down', 'Stay', 'Come', and many more - and watch him establish into a well-mannered little puppy.

Ongoing Socialization

You will need to continue socializing your puppy for the rest of his life, although there may no longer be the urgency, or the frequency of socialization that is critical for a young puppy. Continue to find different situations for your dog: for example, take him to your local flea-market, or car boot sale; select a different walk to give him different sights, sounds, and smells - everywhere that will offer your puppy different (positive) experiences.

By chronic to socialize your puppy throughout his adult life, he will become more definite - not fearful - and will be able to handle approximately any situation with ease.

The socialization process is meant to be fun for both you and your puppy. If your puppy enjoys the 'tasks' you set for him his experiences will be definite and he'll learn quickly. If he's a nervous puppy, just take things more slowly - one step at a time. Don't be in a hurry to rush forward.

Many puppies and dogs are put to sleep each year as a follow of unacceptable behavioural problems that could very really have been avoided through proper socialization. Please don't let this happen to your puppy.

Puppy Socialization Leads to a clear and Well-Behaved Adult Dog

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