Proper Socialization is teaching a dog not to react to everyday things they will encounter by slowly desensitizing them to these things. It is important to positively expose a puppy to as many different environments and situations as possible. Keep in mind that exposure needs to be slowly introduced at the dog's pace, not the owners. Letting a puppy explore new things at his/her own pace will help them become more comfortable and help avoid negative reactions. Another way to think of socialization is to consider it desensitization. For example when having your puppy meet new people remember to include a variety things: such as people who are short, tall, adults, kids, someone with a hat or glasses, someone in a wheelchair or on crutches, etc. Improper socialized dogs can be frightened by normal human greeting behaviors.
Proper socialization is the number one way for you to avoid having a dog in the future that will develop serious behavior problems such as aggression.
Once your dog has been approved by your vet to be around other dogs, start taking your dog everywhere you possible can. A friend's house, a barbecue, a busy street, different pet stores, or even to work (if you're allowed). The more places you can take your puppy, the better socialized and more calm your dog will become in any future situation.
Remember to go at the puppy's pace and not your own. A puppy should always appear happy and relaxed during socialization.
Socialization for a puppy should start as soon as possible but the best time to socialize a dog is before five months of age. This does not mean socialization after this age is not important.
Video of the Day: Puppy Party at Lucy's house. Join SGDs Caravaggio & Devo, and their friends Lucy, Nalu, & Moana. They are having a lot of fun today. Related Blog Articles: Trainer Tip Video: Socialization Proper Dog Socialization
Today's Video: Socialization with Olivia Day 3: Puppy Party. Olivia has been working with Such Good Dogs and getting some much needed socialization around other dogs. She is doing very well. Although she is still a little unsure around new dogs, she is much more calm and does not react nearly as strongly as she first did. I am very happy with her progress. Today we have a full pack including my dogs Caravaggio & Devo, and our friends Nalu, Moana, and Phinney.
Socialization
This term tends to be thrown in your face a lot if you're a dog owner. Everyone from breeders, rescue personnel, and veterinarians will tell you to socialize your dog. This is very true, proper socialization is vitally important to raising a well balanced, well mannered dog. The problem is that many people are confused by the term.
Proper Socialization: Is teaching a dog to not react to stimuli by desensitizing him to every day things.
This means the more experiences your dog has in a good, positive way, they less they will react to things that are unfamiliar with them. All of these experiences should be introduced at a pace the dog is comfortable with. Do not force a scared dog, let him take his time and become comfortable with the situation at his own pace. A dog (and especially a puppy) should always appear happy and relaxed during socialization. Another way of thinking about proper socialization is to literally desensitize your dog to regular sounds and occurrences. Things like cars, skate boards, and bikes. Also people who are different: short, tall, wearing a hat or glasses, etc. Improperly socialized dogs tend to be over-reactive or shy. They withdraw from people and sometimes flinch or freeze. Many improperly socialized dogs suffer from anxiety. Poor socialization can also lead to aggression. Related Blog Articles: Video of the Day: Socialization with Olivia (first day). Video of the Day: Socialization with Olivia Day Two. Trainer Tip Video: Socialization. Proper Socialization. Socialization. Adding a second dog to your pack. Introducing your dog to the cat.
