 Socialization is an ongoing process throughout your dog’s life, but the most important period is before four months of age. Quite literally, socialization means making your dog sociable with humans, other dogs, cats and other animal species he may encounter as an adult. Socialization also involves introducing your dog to many different environments and objects. When done properly, your dog will learn to stay calm and inquisitive – and not nervous or scared – when faced with novelty. Socializing your dog also means providing him with quality time. Give him lots of calm attention and affection. Pet him and call him by his name. When appropriate, introduce him to your neighbors and others who come to your home regularly. If possible, expose your dog to a variety of people while acting normal and calm. Your dog will look to you to learn the proper way to behave, and if you appear nervous or if you overreact, he may think that something is wrong.
Socializing your dog to other dogs is important, but this does not mean letting him run free in the neighborhood. Give your dog the opportunity for safe, controlled interaction with dogs whose owners you know and be sure the dogs are immunized.
Here are a few things you can do:
- As soon as your veterinarian says it is safe, introduce your dog to the sights and sounds of his world outside. Make this fun by praising him and giving him a kibble of dog food as he explores.
- Go to training classes.
- Visit dog-loving friends.
- Take your dog on errands with you in temperate weather. (Never leave your dog unattended in the car.)
- Invite people over to your house.
Socialization isn’t about forcing your puppy into scary situations but rather about creating pleasant associations with new events and faces. Things to keep in mind:
- What a dog learns early in life is likely to stay with him for life.
- Your puppy’s first few months of life are a period of intense physical and psychological growth. For your puppy to develop into a friendly and well-balanced adult dog, he needs to have all of his senses appropriately stimulated.
- The more loving interaction you have with your dog, the better.
- Include a little work in your play times and a lot of play in your work times. Make learning fun!
Grooming
Daily grooming and handling throughout your dog’s life help make him a calm, well-behaved and tolerant companion. Make grooming a special time for you and your dog. Whether he needs it or not, brush him daily with much affection and reassurance so he learns to love this time together.
Handling his paws, tail, ears and mouth
End a play session by gently handling your puppy’s paws, look in his ears, and open his mouth. Use your finger to gently massage his gums. This prepares him for having his teeth brushed. Praise him warmly when he allows these things. Get him used to all this early and grooming him later in life will be easier.
Feeding
Utilize every opportunity to socialize your puppy. Make feeding time a happy experience by praising your puppy for being a good dog as you place his dish on the floor. Considerable puppy-owner bonding can occur through positive feeding experiences.
Feeding can also aid in training your puppy. As you place his food dish on the floor, give the command, ‘Come.’ Ask him to “Wait” before he starts eating. After he has waited for a few seconds, release him from the “Wait” and tell him that it is “Okay” to start eating. This introduces your puppy to obedience in a very positive way.
As you socialize and train your puppy, remember that puppies are eager to please. Reward your puppy for good behavior by praising him. A little praise goes a long way in helping your puppy become an endearing companion.
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