by Ashley Demers
To socialize a puppy means helping them learn to feel confident and comfortable as a pet within our human world. Human society includes different sizes and types of people, environments, buildings, sights, noises, smells, other animals and fellow dogs.
Dogs who ignore loud vehicles, cats, bicycles, and crowds (to name just a few distractions) are easier to navigate the world with than dogs who find these situations threatening. A well socialized pup is one that can grow to join you on family camping trips, visiting friends, and even shopping at pet friendly retail stores. It is easier to bring an eager dog to the vet, rather than one that is nervous and fearful, which means their health is likely to be better overall as the vets can examine them more thoroughly.
WHEN
From 3 weeks old up to about 12 weeks, puppies are in a crucial window of time for bonding to other animals and people. This is when they are the most accepting to learn that objects and people in their environment, as well as the outside world, are safe. It is the most important stage, and those who do not get enough socialization at this age are more likely to be fearful of strange people, dogs, loud noises, etc.
However, it is also important to acknowledge that for much of their early days puppies stay with mom and the breeder. What happens during those times is out of your control, so when talking to breeders of potential puppies you want, be sure to ask how they socialize puppies before they are sold to their forever homes. A reputable breeder will make every effort to send home a happy, confident puppy!
After the initial 3 month development stage, puppies become more cautious of anything they are unfamiliar with. After about the 18 week mark, with each passing week it becomes harder to get the pup to accept something that (s)he’s a little wary of. After this time, it can also be much more difficult, and in some cases impossible, to teach them to be calm around someone or something new and "scary". Dogs that have had intensely negative experiences during the first 4.5 months with another dog, person, or object are more likely to exhibit fear and possibly even fear based reactivity or aggression in the future.
HOW
The goal is to provide exposure to all the types of people, other animals, new places, loud sounds, and life experiences that you want your dog to be comfortable with later on.
Depending on the lifestyle you have planned for you and your pup, this could include exposure to:
- infants and children (both when they are quiet and also when playing, crying, etc)
- groomers and veterinarians
- the sight and sound of trains
- buses/trucks/loud, smelly vehicles
- vacuum cleaners
- wheelchairs
- bicycles
- cats and kittens
- livestock
- crowded places (i.e. busy parks, downtown areas, fairs and events)
For a printable list of lots more ideas you can use, check out my printable Happy Tails Puppy Socialization and Experience Checklist.
We're only human, we're busy, and it’s truly impossible to expose a young puppy to absolutely everything (s)he will ever encounter. But the more things that you can cover during the initial ages of 3 to 12 weeks, the more likely the puppy will be able to draw from those early life experiences and find familiarity in a new situation.
In my opinion, one of the best ways to help socialize a puppy is to attend puppy obedience classes. These are classes created especially for puppy obedience training as well as early socialization. A typical puppy class includes structured, supervised off-leash play time which helps socialize puppies with each other. This teaches them to be gentle with their mouthing and biting, and gets them used to being around a variety of new people. Some classes even include exposure to odd sights and sounds using actual props, recordings of sounds, and real life objects (i.e. skateboards, bikes).
MAKE IT POSITIVE
While so much is out of our control, we have to try and prevent new experiences from being overwhelming, so that a puppy becomes more confident and comfortable instead of nervous each time (s)he encounters something new.
For instance, some puppies can be overwhelmed by meeting too many strangers all at once. Even though your intentions are good, if your puppy is cowering in the corner when several new friends come to visit, then (s)he’s not learning that new people are fun and safe to be around. You may need to have fewer people over, and allow the puppy to observe the situation from a safe distance with some yummy treats before interacting. Instruct young children to reach for and pet puppies slowly and gently, so that they associate young kids as being something positive and never rough or scary.
Just keep a close eye on your puppy’s reactions to whatever you expose them to, so that you can tone things down if your pup seems nervous.
WHEN IT'S TOO MUCH
Signs of stress when exposing your puppy to new things include:
-Shaking
-Trembling
-Pacing
-Whining/barking/yelping
-Yawning
-Averting gaze, showing whites of eyes
-Lip licking
-Raised hackles
-Avoidance or running away
-Hiding
-Panting
-Loss of bladder or bowel control
How to handle it if your puppy shows signs of stress while socializing:
Always include lots of praise, gentle petting, fun toys and/or yummy treats with every new experience. If your puppy is acting nervous, create distance between you and the situation and allow the pup to watch. Keep your mood and your voice calm and quiet, and keep a confident posture. For example, if your puppy seems to be frightened while sitting with you around lots of people, then sit further away (but within view of the action) and offer your pup a delicious treat with praise each time a scary noise or movement happens. Try not to be overly coddling and comforting in a way that could reward fearful behaviour. If your puppy knows basic obedience, have him or her respond to basic commands and reward them to help them re-focus on you and return to a calmer state. You can also take a break for a short walk or playtime to help them work off the stress through movement before trying again another day.
SOCIALIZING AROUND VACCINES
Most of the time, puppies aren’t fully protected against the diseases they are vaccinated against until they’ve had all of their scheduled shots. Even though puppies’ immune systems are still developing during their crucial socialization period, if you wait until your puppy has all of their shots before socializing, you miss the best time frame you have to do it. The good news is that if you take some minor precautions while socializing your puppy, the risk of infection is quite small compared to the much larger risk of your puppy developing serious behavior problems later in life. The good thing about attending puppy classes at training facilities is that all other dogs must be de-wormed and have started their vaccines before their classes start, and these types of facilities will thoroughly clean and sanitize their floors and facility daily with veterinary grade cleaners.
Other low risk ideas to socialize a puppy who is not fully vaccinated include:
- Visit a busy mall or retail store, and hang out with your pup outside the entrance. Many strangers will approach you because they want to pet your adorable puppy, and they’ll probably even feed him the treats that you’ve brought along.
- Research dog friendly retail establishments. For example, some Lowe's and Home Depot stores will allow dogs, but call ahead to be sure before you go! Potty them outside first, then take your pup around while you shop, and allow people to interact with him or her.
- Invite friends and family over to meet the new puppy. Put on some low music or TV for background noise, and pass the puppy around for petting and attention while you visit with each other.
- Ask if your pup can attend girl/boy scout meetings, and meet new children.
- Take your pup on car rides through drive-thrus, car washes, new neighbourhoods, and out into rural areas where he’ll see and smell a variety of new things.
- Arrange play sessions with other puppies and adult dogs whom you know for sure are healthy, vaccinated, and friendly.
Socialization is imperative for your puppy to develop into a happy, relaxed companion. While some dogs are born with predispositions that can make this more difficult than other breeds, the majority of puppies are very open and impressionable when they are so young. This helps them learn to take bumps along the way in stride. Socializing your puppy gives him/her the best chance to grow up and become a well rounded, calm friend that can go with you just about anywhere!
Comentários