Socialization is an important first step in obedience training. Whether you bring home a puppy or you adopt a shelter dog, proper socialization helps your dog adjust to their environment. Socialization teaches your dog what manners are expected of them when they are in public, around people or around other dogs. Follow these 9 tips to get your pup ready for any adventure.
1. Socializing a puppy is easy. Their whole world is a classroom and they listen willingly. Of course puppies do tend to have ants in their pants and a very short attention span, but they are also eager to please. You just need a little patience.
2. Your family is your puppy's first experience with socialization. Be sure to keep your pup in the house and make them a part of your family. Teach them what is expected of them at home first and you will be well on your way to a well- behaved pup out in public as well.
3. At some point you will need to take you pup out in public. Veterinarians have differing views of when it is appropriate. Some vets want you to wait until the four-month mark when your pup has had their last set of vaccinations. Others say that the socialization is more important and there are cures for most ailments they would get. But remember most of their conditioning happens between zero and four months. You don't have to put them in all situations all at once but it is important to get them out and around people. Dogs that have had their vaccinations and are healthy are okay, too.
4. It is important for all dogs to know how to behave around children and always supervise your dog when children are present. Kids will poke, prod, pull tails and try to ride your dog because to a kid a dog is a big fluffy playmate. Puppies bite when they play and most kids don't understand this. Use this as a teaching moment for both the kids and your dog. While acclimating your dog to children offer the kids a lesson in proper interaction with pets. Kids should understand that they must ask permission from the dog owner before approaching any dog. Teach them to let the dog sniff their hands before touching and be gentle when petting any dog. Since kids and puppies go together so well it should be a fun experience for both.
5. Who can resist a puppy? Most people can't and they don't ask before walking up and getting in your puppy's face. Proper socialization at home will prepare your puppy for all the attention it is going to receive out in public. You want your puppy to be able to handle the many situations they will be in and be use to a myriad of disturbances.
6. There is no such thing as a guard dog. Most dogs don't know the difference between a burglar and the neighbor kid coming to the door. The best you can hope for is that your dog barks when someone approaches the house. Please don't train your dog to be mean. You are only asking for trouble if you do. A security system works much better and it doesn't bite.
7. It is important your puppy or dog associate with other dogs. Dogs need dog on dog interaction and an older more experienced dog will help train your puppy. If you have an older shelter dog that is not dog friendly try a slower method of introducing them. Introduce one dog at a time or hire a trainer specialized in this area.
8. If you have a shelter dog that has not been properly socialized find a trainer to help. Trainers can do temperament testing to help find behavior problems and then help you fix them. You are responsible for keeping your dog under control at all times, so if you are inexperienced don't take your under socialized dog out alone. Any unexpected reaction to stimuli can catch you off guard and cause a lot of grief to both you and your four- legged pal.
9. Most dogs love to ride in the car. No matter what their age it is important your dog learn to ride nicely. Don't take your dog in the car only when they are going to the vet. This can make them fearful of cars and other social situations. Take them to the park or for a ride around the block. Teach them to sit in the back seat and behave. Try one of the many seat harnesses on the market that help keep you pet secure while in the car.
Dogs are social animals and want to be a part of your environment. They can be taught proper manners for any occasion. Take them out and let them meet the world. Teaching them to behave in public is a great transition into other forms of training.
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