Socializing Your Dog

We must help a puppy learn early on that strangers, other dogs of different breeds and sizes, and all new experiences are not automatically threatening. Teaching socialization and habitutaion early will have great benifits in years to come.

All animals have a natural fear of unknown creatures and new events. After all, a wild animal would not survive for very long if it ran up to a human in the woods! Our dogs have a similar tendency, so it is up to us to help a puppy learn early on that strangers, other dogs of different breeds and sizes, other pets, all items in our lives such as vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, stairs, and all new experiences are not automatically threatening. The period of time when puppies are most open to this learning is called the socialization period. The socialization period begins as early as three weeks of age and lasts until about 16 weeks of age. The process of helping puppies with this important lesson is called socialization (for people and other animals in our homes like other dogs and cats) and habituation (for all the rest of the things in the environment). Socialization and habituation mean: getting used to something gradually and without getting scared at any step.

Lack of proper socialization and habituation can lead to a dog who is fearful of all strangers or just certain types of people (for example, children); is unable to interact properly with other dogs; or is afraid of new experiences. Although maladjusted dogs can usually be helped with behavioural modification techniques, early prevention of such problems is far better than attempts at a cure later.

Compared to a wolf pup, our modern dog pup has a huge variety of people, animals, places and novelty to meet in life! For example, just think of the list of types of people your dog may meet as an adult: young, old, tall, short, black, white, bearded, men, women, etc. Introducing your puppy to all of these things by 16 weeks may seem like an impossible task, but here is the key to it all. If your socialize and habituate your puppy in a systematic way, if you do it correctly, and if you do as much as you possibly can before he is 16 weeks of age - the pup will develop a sound, stable temperament that is able to cope with all the new people and events he will encounter throughout his life. He will learn that novelty is OK and non-threatening, even fun!

Be systematic. Make a list of all you can think of to socialize and habituate them with:

• people of all sizes, shapes, gender, colour, wearing uniforms, disability, ages - especially children of all ages
• other dogs of different breeds and sizes
• cats or other domestic animals you expect your dog to accept later in life
• sights and sounds of our domestic life (like vacuums, hair dryers, riding in car, stairs, traffic noise, crowds, etc.)
• being alone, being in a crate, tethered, or otherwise confined
• being handled all over his body, and restrained in different positions
• human presence and handling of your pup's food bowl
• your veterinarian's office and staff

Do it correctly:

• Be calm and confident. Your own anxiety is contagious so don't take a chance on spreading it.
• Don't make a big deal of it - be matter-of-fact with most inanimate items.
• Don't force the puppy to approach - let the pup approach on his own and at his own speed. Be patient.
• Make all first impressions good ones if possible. If a particular experience is fear-producing or bad in any way, counteract it with many good ones related to the same thing.
• Use lots of praise and food treats to reinforce calm acceptance.
• Remember: trying to calm an upset puppy will most likely teach him that you like his fear response! This may be the hardest part for you since it is natural to want to comfort your puppy - but do not pet or talk to a fearful pup.

Do it as much as you can NOW:

• Make a pledge that each day you will socialize and habituate your pup to at least two items from your list above. All your efforts now will really pay off later.