When we bring a new puppy into our home, our instincts tell us that we must protect and keep the puppy safe. However, throughout the first three months, we must introduce our puppies to as many normal scenarios as possible. Puppies are most receptive to learning during this time, which influences their personality. The advantages of socialization far outweigh the time commitment. Puppies who have not been correctly socialized are frequently violent and overly fearful of humans or their surroundings.
How to get started in puppy socialization?
Puppies are often adopted between the ages of eight and twelve weeks. In terms of psychological and behavioral health, each puppy is unique, and some will be further ahead in terms of exposure and socialization than others. When you bring your puppy home, focus on the following socializing areas to help them grow into happy, healthy dogs:
Exposure To Other Pets
Puppies benefit from socialization with other dogs, cats, pocket pets, and birds. That is why having a puppy playgroup is always essential in the social development of your pup.
Handling
Touching, looking in the ears, examining the mouth, touching the feet, trimming nails, bathing, leashing/harnessing/wrapping, restraining (with positive reinforcement), playing with toys, and brushing teeth are all good to introduce to your puppy at this critical learning stage.
Outside World/Environment
It is crucial to expose your pup to doors, crates, autos, street drains, diverse surfaces, clothing, blankets, beds, and several other items outside to acclimate them to ordinary objects.
Sounds
To accustom your puppy to sounds and avoid a negative reaction to loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms, try to encourage him with these sounds. A good strategy is to gradually increase the volume of recorded thunder or fireworks from sound CDs, starting low and then increasing to a truly loud level. Caressing, biscuits, or your puppy’s favorite toy are all examples of positive reinforcement. Automobile horns, trains, and other loud noises can also be added.
The Veterinarian
Preparation for the veterinary appointment is just as important as the visit itself. Visit your veterinarian with your puppy regularly to ensure a pleasant experience for both of you. Spending 10-15 minutes in the clinic lobby and engaging constructively (in a controlled manner) with people and other animals will help reduce fear and anxiety connected with future veterinarian consultations. The goal is to keep the encounter pleasant without any prodding or probing.
People
It is advised that your dog encounters new people daily. This can occur both at home and while you are out and about. During these sessions, it is recommended to provide a pleasant experience with refreshments. Don’t forget to interact with uniformed personnel and children.
Puppy Training Facilities
Working with pups in a training environment, as well as socializing them, is essential. Positive reinforcement is essential in this form of training. Find a reputable training class or trainer from places like Central Bark Dog Care who employs positive reinforcement to keep puppies happy and secure. The goal is to create favorable attitudes toward the puppy’s environments, humans, and commands, frequently rewarded with food.
Conclusion
Puppies do not have social skills from birth. They are predisposed to be wary of unfamiliar objects. Their mother and siblings will provide them with early socialization skills, but there is still work with all puppies to ensure they evolve into well-behaved adult dogs.