puppy socialization

Why Socializing Your Puppy is Important and Tips on How to Do It

Most dog lovers know how important it is to properly socialize a dog. A well socialized canine benefits not only the dog itself but also his owners and their community. For those who are not so familiar with puppy socialization or the meaning of the term well socialized dog, this refers to a dog that has been prepared to face both human and animal society with calmness and stability. You as a responsible owner should be active in helping your puppy learn how to be a member of your society. Some people may not understand why it is important to socialize a puppy but they will see it when they meet a calm and obedient dog compared to a dog that is aggressive and difficult to manage.

I strongly advocate puppy socialization as soon as your pup is the right age. This should be when he is around a month old up to about three – four months old. This is the period when the puppy is still learning about the world and he may not be as cautious as he will be when he is older. Since puppies are usually given to their new owners when they are about three months old, this means that socialization starts when they are still with their mother in their original kennel. If the owner of his mother mistreats dogs, this is the time when he learns to be wary of humans. Some puppies from puppy mills have no extensive contact with humans until they are separated from their mother, making them unaware of how to deal with people, while other puppies may be well cared for by their breeders and initially socialized well without the breeder even knowing about it.

The Importance of Proper Socialization

The reason why socializing a puppy is important is due mainly to attitude of the puppy in the future. Some dogs have fears and insecurities that can be traced to how they were treated and what they were exposed to when they were young pups. The development of some fears may have come about because they were not exposed to something which is supposed to be quite common in the outside world or they were mistreated as puppies. So what happens to a dog that has been cooped up in his home from the very start, without exposure to a lot of people, objects and other animals? He will be afraid to face unfamiliar things and be defensive towards new people and objects. Defensive dogs are often aggressive and there will be times when they will extend their aggressiveness to their owner and other family members. Meaning they are highly likely to defend the people they know and love from what they perceive as threats (unfamiliar people, things and other animals). This can become awkward or downright dangerous when you have guests at home and your dog does not know how to deal with them. The same goes for new pets and other animals that you might bring home.

There are also some instances when the puppy has been exposed to humans and is very comfortable with them but may not be properly socialized with other animals, some objects and generally the outside world. It would be difficult to socialize a mature dog with animals especially those that are smaller than he is. I say it is difficult but not impossible. With patience and the right motivation and training, your mature dog may still be able to adjust to the presence of new animals in his home as well as be comfortable enough to walk outside in the presence of other people and other animals.

Proper puppy socialization will result to a dog that is capable of positively handling a variety of situations which he may be exposed to. Well socialized dogs are great to live and grow with because they are relaxed and confident. When faced with new things or people, socialized dogs are initially curious but never aggressive and are more open to making new friends and discoveries than poorly socialized ones. You run the risk of having a potentially dangerous, unsocialized dog that might lash out when he is pushed beyond his comfort limit if you have not exposed your puppy to a variety of situations and things.

Tips on Puppy Socialization

I really believe that early socialization is the key to a confident and happy dog. When your dog is happy, calm and confident you will find that he is willing to meet new people and animals as well as have the eagerness to learn. Some puppy owners are scared that their puppy might be exposed to dangerous diseases and illnesses if they bring him out to the world at such a young age without completing his vaccinations. The following should be able to help you start socializing your puppy in the safest possible way without traumatizing him or ending up with an overly anxious dog.

1. Socialization with People

When you want your puppy to be socialized with people in a positive way, the best thing to do is to expose him to some of your friends first who are familiar with dogs or know how to handle puppies. While it is a nice idea to include kids in this initial venture, it might not be the right time for younger kids. Children around the age of eight years old and above should have enough control not to drop the puppy or squeeze it too much when they hold it. As with the adults, the kids you introduce your puppy to should be comfortable with dogs and be able to follow instructions from you. 

When introducing a puppy to new people, please ensure that the newcomer crouches down on the floor, lets the puppy lick and smell her, does not pick up the puppy roughly and does not rise up too suddenly to elicit panic in the puppy. Puppies are not choosy when it comes to whoever they associate with and this is the goal of the exercise. The presence of people should not raise a red flag in your puppy, causing him to panic. You can give the person a treat or some of the puppy’s food to reward a puppy who will initiate the encounter instead of ignoring the person or hiding in fear. This will reinforce a positive experience when he meets new people. Puppies could learn by association that some people are great because they often have treats or they will lavish praise and cuddles on him. This will teach him that initiating the friendship will result to a friend.

You can try to introduce your puppy to new people one at a time and then progress to introducing en masse. Meeting a lot of people at the same time cannot be avoided. Remind the new people to be careful when handling the puppy and to reward the puppy when he comes near to inspect them. This sounds tedious but in reality, situations like these happen more often than not. Relatives often drop by your home singly or in groups and they can be given a chance to meet the four legged addition to your family. Playing with the puppy need not be too long since some visitors may have come to visit for another reason. You might like to actually schedule a play date for your friends and new puppy. 

2. Socialization with Other Dogs and Animals

Many of the present day dog breeds come from forebears that were valued at being adept at hunting, protecting and chasing, among other things. Some dogs retain their instinct to herd and hunt which is the reason why it is important to introduce your little puppy to a small mature dog, about the same size as he is at the beginning of puppy socialization with other dogs. Smaller dogs will be easier to handle if they turn aggressive and your puppy will not feel so threatened to a smaller dog compared to a large one. It is a good idea to try to introduce your new puppy to a mature dog that has been already properly socialized so that the puppy can copy the calm and stable behavior of the older dog. Exposure or interaction with a calm and mature dog can occur every other day. You might also like to introduce your puppy to other dogs in your neighborhood since he will encounter them sooner or later when you take him out for a walk. With patience and perseverance, he will be able to interact with other dogs with very little risk or turning aggressive. 

Introducing your puppy to other animals will not be so difficult as long as you are there to offer support for your puppy. Other dogs that have been socialized tend to be more curious about the new puppy and will approach it in a friendly way. Other animals that are calm and stable in the presence of humans may be good candidates to expose your puppy to. Always make sure that you ask permission from the owners of the other animals before exposing them to your dog. Some owners may have some inhibitions when it comes to their animals’ health and would not like to expose their animals to puppies who have not yet finished their vaccinations and boosters.

Properly socializing your puppy will get him ready for walks in the park among other people, dogs and animals without you worrying about him chasing other animals or nipping other people. Walking around the neighborhood and going to a nearby park will familiarize your puppy to his neighborhood, the smells, the sounds and the sights that come with it.

Always be aware of the comfort level of your puppy. Socializing may not always go the way you want it to go. If your four legged buddy is showing signs of being tired or disinterested in any more new things or people, it may be time to end the “getting to know you” session. Puppies are just like babies that are full of energy but use this up just as fast. They also need to nap and recharge after an hour’s play.

When you have properly socialized your puppy, he will grow up to be a great asset to you and your family. Your neighbors, friends and relatives will be more at ease when they see a well behaved dog in your home. You will not have to worry needlessly about introducing a new pet to your future dog. Correct socialization of your beloved puppy will make your home less stressful and more happy.

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