Socializing your dog

How to Socialize Your Dog and Why it’s Essential

Dogs need to be able to interact with their environment, humans and other dogs in a non-threatening way. This can be done successfully if you socialize your dog from a very early age. Socializing your puppy can start as early as three weeks old. The most important, impressionable age for your dog is between six and fourteen weeks and it is in this time that good socialization skills should be taught. If socialized early your dog will not be fearful of strangers and unusual situations. He will not become territorial. Here are some things to help with socializing your dog.

* When you begin socializing your dog, take it slowly! Do not overwhelm him with too many visitors, smells, sounds and experiences at once. You want your dog to be relaxed, not fearful when he meets new people and goes to new places.

* Introduce your dog to everyone - mum, dad, children, visitors and strangers – anyone who comes in to the home and you meet when walking your dog. Encourage the people your dog is meeting not to be fearful of him. Dogs can sense fear in humans easily.

* Let your dog play with other dogs and socialize with them. Your dog needs to learn that dogs come in all shapes and sizes and smells and he needs to be familiar with these differences.

* Take your dog to different places. Let him experience the park, the car, friend’s yards, the neighborhood, the beach, the vet, car parks and any other dog friendly place you like to visit. The more experiences your dog has, the less fearful of different circumstances he will become.

* Introduce your dog to different objects and sounds. Dogs are fearful of thunder and firecrackers and these are difficult to get used to as their ears are so sensitive. You could use a tape of these sounds and introduce them to the noises slowly. Objects such as vacuum cleaners, umbrellas, noisy kitchen appliances can all be frightening to your dog. Help him get used to these everyday objects.

* Some dogs don’t like being brushed or bathed. If you get your dog used to human handling and being patted all over, grooming will become a pleasurable experience, rather than a fearful one.

Dogs that have limited or no socialization grow up to be fearful dogs and are not good as family pets. Dogs needed to be handled by humans by the age of sixteen weeks or they will trust no one. When socializing you dog, have a calm, happy approach when you are meeting new people or introducing your dog to new situations. If the owner seems happy and relaxed, the dog will soon realize this is not a fearful situation. Watch your dog for signs he may not be comfortable with a situation. Excessive yawning or panting, growling, or tail not wagging will indicate your dog is becoming fearful. Don’t force the socialization process. You can always try another day if your dog becomes agitated.

Socialization of your dog doesn’t end once he is no longer a puppy. You must continue to take him out and include him in everyday experiences so he continues to be a well-socialized pet.