Puppy Socialization Training
Puppy socialization training is such a crucial step for dog behavior development. This step should not be missed. What you do in the first 4 to 16 weeks of a puppy's life will clearly impact their temperament and behavior later on. Socializing should continue through out the dog's life as you introduce new objects and concepts.
Why Socialize as a puppy? - During the puppy stage, a dog will have a neutral view on the environment, objects, events and people. They rarely are frighten or aggressive as they do not know any better. This is the perfect time to introduce them to socializing. Missing this training opportunity can not be made up later in the dog's life.
What if I skip socialize training? - An un-socialized dog will often be paranoid, timid, untrustworthy, fight other dogs, bite or nip in fear and often can be an obedience training nightmare. Introducing new stimuli will cause great amounts of stress on your pet which often can lead to medical problems later in life. Your dog may also show signs of psychological disorders or cases of depression. Poor socialization training is the number one reason why dogs have to be euthanized.
Does dog breed play a role? - No, all breeds should go through socialization training. All puppies are capable of this training regardless of breed, size, or sex. This training will actually help possible breed specific issues. For instance, terriers do not always get along well with other pets. With proper socialization training you may never have that issue.
Steps to Puppy Socialization Training
1 - Begin training as soon as your puppy arrives home. Start small as the puppy will most likely be around 8 weeks old and is over whelmed with new stimuli.
2 - Play with your puppy as often as possible. Petting it, speaking to it and showing them objects they will be in close contact with such as puppy toys, crate, water, food bowls and bedding.
3 - Have your puppy play with their leash and collar. Put both on and allow them to get a feel for it. They may try to remove or paw them off. Do not take them off until they have stopped and forgot about them. If you remove the collar while they are trying to remove it themselves then you positively enforce this behavior and leash training will become harder.
4 - Introduce them to members of your family. Get them used to males, females, children and older people. Have them pet and talk to the puppy so they become accustom to their voices.
5 - Bring your other pets such as your cat or bird to meet the new member of the family. Carefully monitor them and make sure these animals are healthy and have been vaccinated.
6 - Take your puppy outside to explore the area around your house. Mix this time in with your housebreaking. Use this as a reward for your puppy properly relieving themselves in their "puppy bathroom".
7 - Begin taking your puppy with you on short car rides. Have your pet carrier crate for easy traveling. Try to allow the puppy some freedom to view the outside through the windows. If the dog is becoming overly excited and moving around in the car, stop and crate your dog.
8 - Bring your puppy to more crowded public areas such as parks, playgrounds, shopping centers and other places. Always monitor your puppy. It is a good idea not to let your puppy socialize with other dogs until all vaccinations are completed.
9 - Introduce your puppy to everyday objects and sounds. Vacuum cleaner, TV, radio, washing machine and other household items. Have you ever seen a dog that goes berserk when someone starts to vacuum? Introducing these objects and sounds at a young age can help them become accustom to these noises and distractions.
10 - Once your puppy has had all of their shots and vaccinated, it would be safe to start puppy kindergarten or puppy day camp. Socializing with other dogs can be very healthy for the mind and body of your puppy. They will learn how to deal with other dogs and attain plenty of exercise.
11 - Begin the grooming cycles. Bathing, grooming and brushing on a regular schedule will not only improve the look and smell of your puppy but familiarize them with puppy hygiene. If you have a professional groomer for your dog it is important for the dog to be introduced to that environment early as well. |
What Not to Do While Teaching Puppy Socialization Training
-
Never wait to do puppy socializing. Every minute counts and these valuable weeks you have with your puppy will greatly contribute to the type of dog they will become later in life.
-
Before vaccinated do not place your puppy on the ground in major public areas. You may risk the puppy catching something harmful early on. Never let you puppy play with other animals or dogs that appear sick or unhealthy.
-
Be careful of the new stimuli you introduce is not frightening, harmful or painful. Introduce slowly and do not prolong the exposure. The last thing you want to do is create a phobia.
-
Take things slow with your puppy. Try not to force to much on them all at once. Gradually add new elements. Puppies will become tired and hungry more often and may quickly lose interest.
-
Never reward fearful or bad behavior. If the puppy becomes scared or timid by an object such as a vacuum then do not remove it right away. After the dog loses interest then remove the object.
As long as you practice good puppy socialization training techniques outlined above, your puppy should develop into a well behaved good temperament dog.
