The idea of properly socializing your puppy is one that is often misunderstood. The true meaning of socialization is simply exposing and acclimating your puppy to different sights, smells and sounds in a positive fashion.
It is between 7 weeks and 4 months that your puppy goes through the most crucial socialization period of their life. Socialization should continue through adolescence (12-14 months). This will shape both personality and reaction to different environmental changes for the rest of their adult dog life. Exposing them gradually to different people, places, smells and sounds will help to shape them into a confident and well-rounded dog.
Why Do It?
Not only does it help to ensure that you are creating a confident and well-rounded dog but proper socialization can actually be something that saves your dog’s life down the line.
According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, improper socialization can lead to problem behaviors down the line. Their statement on the topic reads, “Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age.”
How to Do It Properly
The moment you bring your puppy home begging the most crucial socialization period. Whether you bring them home at 7 weeks or at 5 months, you can and should still work on properly socializing them!
Introduce them to new sights, smells and sounds;
To a puppy, everything they come into contact with is something that is new so everyday there are hundreds of moments to create a positive association with something new for your puppy.
Some great ways to start include;
- Walking on different types of floor; carpet, hardwood, concrete, sidewalk, leaves, dirt ect.
- Meeting DIFFERENT people; old, young, people with facial hair, hats, sunglasses, tall, short, the list goes on
Your dogs association with all of these things should be a positive one. That may mean rewarding with food or a game of tug.
All of this stuff can and should start at home. You can then begin to take your puppy out to different places to work on exposing them to different environments. It is important to remember that the treats you use at home will DECREASE in value when you leave the house. Be prepared to increase your treat value.
For more information on this, contact your trainer for step-by-step lesson sheets!