A puppy's socialization
begins with its mother and litter mates and continues as
it is placed in a new home and, to the puppy, a strange
environment. Behavioral studies show that a key period
of socialization for puppies to humans is from six to
eight weeks. This is the time when the mother usually
weans her puppies. The puppy's nervous system is
reaching the structural and functional capacities of an
adult dog. Eight weeks is also the time a puppy is
normally placed in its new home. It's ready to learn and
intensive socialization should begin.
Socializing your puppy
means providing quality time. Give it lots of attention
and affection. Pet it and call it by its chosen name.
Introduce it to your neighbors and service people such
as the mail carrier and others who come to your home
regularly. Show children how to hold and pet it.
Socializing your puppy to other dogs is important, but
this does not mean letting it run free in the
neighborhood. Give it the opportunity for safe,
controlled interaction with dogs whose owners you know
and be sure the dogs are immunized.
As your puppy explores its
new environment, it may inadvertently damage some items
by chewing. This is part of its exploration. If your
puppy damages something or has an accident, do not
punish it or speak harshly to it unless you catch it in
the act. Even then, punishment should be administered
carefully. The only thing a puppy learns from harsh or
untimely punishment is to fear you. Begin to introduce
it to basic commands, "come," "sit," and "stay." Praise
it for positive responses.
In socializing your puppy,
remember that the "pack instinct" every dog inherits
must be controlled. Your puppy will test you and other
family members by attempting to establish dominance as
leader of the pack. All family members should cooperate
in establishing and enforcing a code of conduct for your
puppy. To help it understand that it must obey the rules
of the house, be consistent in reprimanding and in
praising it. Eye contact and a firm "no" usually deter
an undesirable activity.
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 its 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 its food dish on the
floor, give the command, "Come," preceded by the name
you have chosen for it. This introduces your puppy to an
obedience command and helps teach it to respond to its
name.
As your puppy settles into
its new home, it may encounter new situations which will
be potentially stressful to it. Helping your puppy
adjust to these situations minimizes future behavior
problems. You may find that your puppy is frightened by
loud noises. During a thunderstorm, fireworks or when
appliances are operating, such as the dishwasher or
vacuum sweeper, play with your puppy as you normally do
or pet and reassure it that the noises are simply
"business as usual." Reward it with a dog snack for
being calm during the noise.
Gradually accustom your
puppy to being left alone. Begin with brief periods of
separation and gradually increase the time. When
unattended, leave your puppy in its crate or in an area
where it cannot do any damage. Give it a favorite chew
bone and/or a favorite toy to help prevent boredom.
As you socialize and train
your puppy, remember that puppies are eager to please.
Reward your puppy for good behavior by praising it. A
little praise goes a long way in helping your puppy
become an endearing companion.
What is the potential for
socializing dogs who have had minimum exposure to people
and other dogs during their first three months? The
chances of turning such a dog into a family pet depend
upon the amount of time the owner is committed to
spending with the dog. Considerable time and patience
are musts. It can be done, but it is not an easy task.
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