During our puppy socialization classes at Paws and Possibilities, we cater the experience to what each puppy needs. Last week a new puppy came to class that was only 10 weeks old and had very little experience interacting with other dogs. We kept the environment calm and let that puppy off the leash while we kept Molly and Abby on their leashes. When the new puppy was ready, I let Molly off her leash (remember, she is the cautious, calm one of my two). Molly walked up to the puppy and the two just hung out together. Once the new puppy started feeling more comfortable, I let Abby off her leash, too. After watching Molly and Abby playing, this new puppy built up her courage to start to play, too. Nothing was rushed and we just waited for the puppy to show some interest. Now this puppy has a positive experience when it comes to socialization and will be more interested and more comfortable at the next session.
Not only is it important to socialize your puppies, it’s also important to be sure that you have control over the situations that your puppy will be in. If there is something that your puppy reacts to, you need to be able to change the situation easily to accommodate for what your puppy needs (for example, when the cart being too close to Molly startled her, I moved Molly further from the aisle until she was more comfortable with the carts). Start small and slow. Don’t start on day one by going to a big box store pet store like I did today. (My puppies have had a wide variety of socialization, including spending the weekend at our booth for the MD DogFest pictured above) Start by going to a small, quiet park where you may see only a few people. Work your way up the ladder until your dog is successful at each rung before you challenge him to more distractions.
One of the best places to socialize a young puppy will be a trainer-supervised puppy socialization session so that you can assure the best possible experience for your puppy. Just check that the training company is qualified to be supporting your puppy through this critical experience.
Many people asked if they could pet my dogs (yeah for asking!) and I said yes, of course. They were pet by young, old, women, men, staff, and customers. Molly and Abby were not allowed to get up while the person approached to pet them, which was hard (they wanted to rush over to say hi whenever someone was approaching them). With a few tries under their belt, they mastered even that in such a distracting environment. Most people were impressed that neither of the puppies jumped on them.
There are so many different things you can do to help socialize your dog. In the comments below, share some of the interesting places you have taken your dog and whether or not the experience was successful!
Pet socialization is important for many reasons. Socializing your dog ensures its ability to react to the world in a healthy way, without fear or aggression. Dogs who have not been socialized with other animals and other humans can become fearful in new situations, such as meeting new people, being around other pets, or visiting new places. Through intentional socialization, you can help reduce anxiety for your dog, while also reducing the risk of aggressive incidents or behavioral issues. Our team at Longwood Veterinary Center has rounded up 5 great reasons why pet socialization is so important and beneficial, and they are as follows.
Pet socialization also provides opportunities to help your pet develop new, good habits and behaviors. New interactions and experiences pave the way for more positive reinforcement for your pup, whether that means feeling comfortable with a neighbor using loud yard tools, or passing another dog-walker on the street without issues. The more your pet is allowed to practice handling social scenarios, the better adjusted he or she will become. Over time, this will make social settings like parties or visits to dog-friendly restaurants more pleasant for both you and your dog. If you have any questions or concerns about pet socialization, contact our knowledgeable staff at Longwood Vet. We’d love to help you ensure your dog is healthy, happy, and ready for anything!
A popular buzzword in dog training is socialization. Socialization is the specific act of exposing an animal to novel situations in a slow and precise fashion focusing on keeping interactions short, positive, and fear free. Pet socialization is most effective and best implemented when a puppy is young. The most opportune window to expose puppies to new situations occurs up to the time they are four months of age. Puppies receiving early socialization are bolder and less fearful in novel situations. However, attempting to slowly and calmly expose even older pets to novel situations is still helpful.
There are lots of things you can incorporate into your routine with your dog to help with socialization. Some activities include puppy playdates with friends, dog park visits, and doggie daycare. Taking your dog on walks at public parks or on hiking trails where you are likely to encounter other people and pets can also be helpful. Even taking your dog with you to visit a friend or family at their house rather than yours provides your dog an opportunity to have new experiences that will help ensure he or she is well adjusted and comfortable around people and in new places. This being said, the importance of not overwhelming your pet with new stimuli or situations cannot be emphasized enough. If a puppy or pet appears frightened, irritated, anxious, or upset at any point while being introduced to a new animal or experience, you need to remove them from the situation, returning them promptly to their comfort zone. Pushing your puppy or pet into novel situations when they are not ready can backfire producing an even more anxious or worried pet.
How Does a Puppy Need to Be Socialized?
There are different methods of puppy socialization: at home, in classes, or puppy playdates. Socializing your new puppy also requires more than meeting new people and dogs.Â
Your puppy needs to be exposed to new sights, sounds, and textures. Letting children play with your puppy, in a controlled setting, and getting a variety of people to play with your puppy helps as well.Â
Learn how to socialize quickly but safely
A popular buzzword in dog training is socialization. Socialization is the specific act of exposing an animal to novel situations in a slow and precise fashion focusing on keeping interactions short, positive, and fear free. Pet socialization is most effective and best implemented when a puppy is young. The most opportune window to expose puppies to new situations occurs up to the time they are four months of age. Puppies receiving early socialization are bolder and less fearful in novel situations. However, attempting to slowly and calmly expose even older pets to novel situations is still helpful.
Pet socialization is important for many reasons. Socializing your dog ensures its ability to react to the world in a healthy way, without fear or aggression. Dogs who have not been socialized with other animals and other humans can become fearful in new situations, such as meeting new people, being around other pets, or visiting new places. Through intentional socialization, you can help reduce anxiety for your dog, while also reducing the risk of aggressive incidents or behavioral issues. Our team at Longwood Veterinary Center has rounded up 5 great reasons why pet socialization is so important and beneficial, and they are as follows.