Puppy Socialization

Socialization is an essential part of your puppy's development into a confident, happy adult because a well socialized dog:

• Is less likely to show aggression - fear is the
biggest cause of aggression in dogs
• Will lead a more enjoyable and stress-free life
• Makes a better companion

The most sensitive period for socialization and habituation in dogs is from 3 to 12 weeks (incidentally, it's 3 to 8 weeks in cats). This is the time puppies are most receptive to making positive (and negative) associations with other living things and objects. (If your puppy is older than 12 weeks, don't despair! He will still learn from socialization, even at his later age.)

So how do you do it? Essentially, you need to expose your puppy to as many new experiences as possible, ensuring encounters are positive. You can make them more positive by rewarding confident behavior with treats.

1. Of course, puppies aren't fully vaccinated until they're 12 weeks old, but most vets agree that it's okay to allow your puppy to socialize with friendly dogs if you know they have been fully vaccinated within the past 12 months.

2. Don't walk your unvaccinated puppy in areas where other dogs may have been. But you can carry him (if he isn't too heavy!).

3. Introduce your puppy to different types of people - men, women, children, people in wheelchairs, pushing strollers, wearing hats, etc. Your puppy sees these as different stimuli and may make different associations with each.

4. If you don't have children or grandchildren, borrow some! Children can be fast moving, noisy and may not read doggy signals well - very scary behaviors to an unfamiliar canine!

5. Get puppy used to potentially intimidating objects too: vacuum cleaners don't have to send dogs into a panic.

So get puppy out there to meet the world. Write yourself a checklist of types of people, things and animals you need to encounter and invest some time in preparing your puppy to be a confident, happy, easy-to-live-with adult dog.