Puppy Socialization Do's and Don'ts
Socialization and training your puppy is critical in the proper development of your dog. What you do or don't do in those first weeks and months will affect your dog's behavior forever.
Puppy Socialization
A properly socialized dog makes an ideal companion. It is not frightened or aggressive towards anyone or anything it would normally meet in day to day living. An un-socialized dog may become a fear-biter; are difficult to train and are unpleasant to be around if not for yourself most definitely for others. Unsocial dogs cannot adapt to new situations and a simple routine visit to the vet is a nightmare not only for the dog itself, but for everyone involved. Don't let this happen to you and your dog! Start socializing your new puppy NOW! The socialization period lasts up to about 14 weeks (3 1/2 months) of age. However, at 14 weeks, the puppy must continue socialization to refine its social skills. Socialization most easily occurs before the puppy is 3 months old. Any later than that and it becomes a difficult and time-consuming process that very few owners have the time, energy, money or patience to cope with. Of course because of your puppy's immunity level at this time there are precautions that you should take.
Socialization Do's
Make sure that each of the following events are pleasant and non-threatening. If your puppy's first experience with something is painful and frightening, you will be defeating your purpose. Actually, you maybe creating a phobia that may last a lifetime. It's better to go too slow and assure your puppy is not frightened or injured than to rush and force your pup to meet new things and people. Invite friends over to meet your pup (removal of shoes and washing of hands to protect your puppy is strongly encouraged). Be sure to include men, women, youngsters, oldsters, different ethnic backgrounds, etc. Once your puppy has at least 2 vaccines (about 12 weeks) be sure to include the invite to friendly, healthy, vaccinated dogs, puppies and even cats to meet and play with your new addition. Take your puppy with you everywhere! Carry your pup to malls, outdoor activities, sports games, playgrounds, (not a dog park just yet) etc. Mainly places where there are crowds of people and plenty of activity - a stroller is also a great "safe" socializing tool in the early beginning. . At this time (after vaccine #2) you can visit the homes of healthy pets, and preferably with dog-friendly cats. Be sure to take your puppy for short, frequent rides in the car. Stop the car and let your puppy watch the world go by through the window (of course with ac in FL and never leave your dog in the car not even for a minute!) Introduce your puppy to umbrellas, bags, boxes, the vacuum cleaner, etc. (introducing mainly means showing them the item and allowing them to explore it). It is always advisable to encourage your puppy to explore and investigate his environment while he/she is being supervised. Allow your puppy to become accustomed to seeing different and unfamiliar objects by creating your own. Set a chair upside down. Lay an empty trash can on its side, an ironing board right-side up one day and upside down the next day, whatever items you accustom in the home. Don't forget to also include new and various sounds.(Loud obnoxious noises should be introduced from a distance and gradually brought closer). Accustom your puppy to being brushed, bathed, inspected, having its nails clipped, teeth and ears cleaned and all the routines of grooming and physical examination. Play pretend vet when you put your puppy on a counter and your friend/partner touches and examines the puppy. Stick your clean fingers and check your puppies mouth and ears all the time for no reason at all then for them to just allow this to happen without fear. Introduce your puppy to stairs, and his own collar and leash - allow him to wear the collar supervised in the home and even drag the leash around if he is not chewing on it. Introduce anything and everything you want your puppy to be comfortable with and around. These are all things you can do one per day to slowly interest and adjust your puppy and for a few minutes each day or several times a day for just a couple of minutes. Remember, these are all new things to this puppy - approach them yourself with a positive mind frame, in a calm manner.
Socialization Don'ts
Do not put your puppy on the ground where unknown animals have access. This is where your puppy can pick up diseases and NEVER outside the vets office. (where the sick dogs go!) Wait until your puppy's shots are completed (last shot at/after 16 weeks). Do not let your pup socialize with dogs that appear sick or dogs that you don't know or that may not be vaccinated. Do not reward fearful behavior. In a well meaning attempt to sooth, encourage or calm the puppy when it appears frightened, we often unintentionally reward the behavior. It's normal for the puppy to show some signs of apprehension when confronting anything new and different (even you for the first time!) . If you are OK with the moment the puppy will sense it without you reinforcing it.Do not allow the experience to be harmful, painful or excessively frightening. This can cause lifetime phobias in your dog. Do not force or rush your puppy. Let your puppy take things at his own pace. Do not be afraid for your puppy, dogs can sense us - you cannot "fake it to make it" with a dog! Your job is to provide the opportunity in a calm manner. Do not do too much at one time. Young puppies need a lot of sleep and tire quickly. It is much more productive to have frequent and very brief exposures than occasional prolonged exposures. -DO NOT WAIT!! Every day that goes by is an opportunity of a lifetime that is lost forever. You can never get these days back. If socialization does not happen in the beginning it may never happen!!.