Socialize Your Puppy
What Does It Mean to "Socialize" My Puppy?
Socializing does not mean romping with litter mates or immediate "family members" such as the family dog, the cat or the children. Socializing does mean exposing your puppy intelligently, carefully and gently to "the world", that is, different places other than home, different kinds of things and objects, different people, other animals and other puppies, in particular. A puppy's view of dogs is much different than their opinion of other puppies. A pup may play quite well with the big, next-door neighbor dog, but may act fearful or shy when in proximity to another puppy. Before you begin to socialize your puppy, have your pup up-to-date on vaccines, consider his/her age, temperament and general health.
When Should I Begin to Socialize My Puppy?
The period between 10 and 16 weeks is critical in a puppy's social, mental and emotional development. Please be careful when exposing your puppy to other people, animals and places. Don't bombard your dog all at once with so much stimulation, but do so calmly, carefully and little bit by little bit. Use lots of praise and rewards that your puppy loves. Puppies older than 16 weeks who have not been exposed to other puppies or dogs may need extra attention, patience and supervision when introduced to other people, puppies or dogs. Ask your vet lots of questions, get help from your trainer, read about canine development. Some books are listed on the Resource Page of this website.
Why is it important to Socialize My Puppy?
It is the lack of exposure and socialization to the things outside your home that can ruin the chance of a puppy developing a sound temperament, however good her genealogy. Socializing your dog during this time of life can be instrumental in preventing shyness, fear and aggression towards other dogs and people as s/he matures. To keep your puppy temperamentally sound, self-assured and friendly, it is important to introduce your puppy to other puppies and people during this time of his/her development. Puppies that are coddled, treated like babies, over-protected and fussed over every time they whine or whince at new stimuli or circumstances are apt to become shy, fearful or aggressive. Let your dog be a dog. Again, get help from your vet, your trainer and read, read, read about dogs.
Where Can I Socialize My Puppy?
The ideal place to socialize your puppy is in a training center with the supervision of a trainer or experienced dog handler. Another place would be in the home of friends who also have a puppy. Putting your puppy in the middle of a crowded dog park is not the best idea. Adult dogs may not have the best socializing manners, may not have their vaccines, may not be trained by their owners. Call the dog daycare facilities in your community and ask them about their puppy socializing opportunities--if they provide puppy training classes and if the puppies are allowed to socialize even briefly before or after class.
How Can I Socialize My Puppy?
Don't push your puppy to interact if s/he is not ready, but you should give your puppy a chance to show you exactly how s/he is going to react. Some dogs need time to feel comfortable and confident when exposed to other puppies. When introducing your puppy to other puppies, dogs or people, your puppy may hide between your legs, or run away. Your puppy may bark and bark. Some sit still, cower, whine, or shiver. Look for signs that your puppy is in obvious distress, but avoid jumping to conclusions too quickly. Some puppies may need 3 or more weeks of exposure socializing with other pups before they show signs of confidence. As your puppy gets used to the yapping, noisy, boisterous tumbling and activity of other puppies, s/he will come out to participate. If your puppy is exhibiting signs of aggression, please consult an experienced trainer to help you determine an appropriate method of training.
