Dog socialisation is an essential aspect that dog owners are not meant to overlook when they get a puppy or a dog because it is the key element that helps raise a puppy into a happy, well-adjusted adult with a balanced temperament. Once you get a puppy, you are allowed to help shape your puppy’s social development from that point on, and how you treat your dog from the start will affect how it behaves when it becomes an adult.
Socialisation is not limited to puppies alone because socialisation is never too late. If you get a professional dog trainer, you can easily socialise your adult dogs, although it will take a bit longer and must be done more carefully.
What Is Socialization in Dogs?
Socialisation is an important training aspect that every puppy should have. It exposes and acclimates a puppy or dog to various situations and environments they may encounter. The main aim of socialisation is to help a dog have a balanced temperament, interacting appropriately with people, other animals, and the environment without becoming anxious or fearful.
Socialisation is an essential part of a dog’s development, and it should be done as soon as possible to avoid common behavioural issues in dogs. Socialisation should start even when the pups are still with their Mothers, as the ideal time to socialise a puppy is between three and 14 weeks. At this age range, puppies’ brains are most receptive to new experiences and typically learn without significant fear. After about 16 weeks, socialisation might become more difficult for puppies. However, socialisation is also important for adult dogs with limited exposure to new experiences and environments when they are younger.
Risk of Not Socializing Your Dog
Not socialising your puppy can create a negative impact on dogs your dogs as they grow. An unsocialised dog will always have common behaviour problems like;
- Barking
- Digging
- Separation anxiety
- Biting
- Aggression
Exposing a pup to different environments, people, and other animals in a positive manner can socialise it.
Also Read: Common Dog Behavior Problems
How to Socialize Your Puppy
Socialisation during the puppy stage is the best stage for socialisation. It is an important part of their development and will help them become well-adjusted, confident adult dogs with a balanced temperament. Between the ages of 3 and 14 weeks, puppies’ brains are fresh and most receptive to socialisation. It’s essential to begin introducing your puppy to new people, animals, and environments early on to help them become well-adjusted and socialized pets.
The first socialisation stage starts when the puppies are still with their mother and litter mates between three and six weeks of age. Then, it’s time to continue the socialisation process when you bring your new puppy home.
Note: Socialization must be fun and done carefully to keep your puppy safe, happy and healthy.
Veterinary Visits
The vet’s office is one of the first new places your puppy will visit after joining your home, which should be done during the first 30 days of brining your dog home. Early veterinary visits are important not only for their health but for their social development as well. You can provide plenty of treats and praise to develop a positive association between your puppy and the veterinarian.
If you are concerned that your pup may be sad after leaving his mother and litter mates, you can talk to your veterinarian about supplements like pheromones, which can help decrease stress.
Limit Exposure to Unknown Animals
When bringing your puppy home, their immune system is still weak and can be vulnerable to various diseases, so your puppies would need scheduled vaccinations and deworming through the ages of six and 16 weeks. It would help if you did not expose your puppy to unknown animals or their faeces. At this point, you can avoid parks and any other place where dogs gather in public, as the socialisation process could continue indoors.
Your puppy not being allowed to go to parks doesn’t mean it shouldn’t meet other dogs, but it’s important to be sure that the dogs you introduce your puppy to are healthy, vaccinated, and friendly. Negative experiences during the puppy stage can cause increased anxiety.
Puppy Classes
If you are a busy type who most likely won’t have enough time to socialise your pets, you can take your puppy to puppy kindergarten; they are typically available at local pet supply shops, dog training facilities, and boarding facilities. In a facility like this, you can be rest assured about your puppy’s health because these socialisation classes only allow healthy puppies with current vaccinations to attend and should only be using positive reinforcement training and socialisation techniques, making it a safe environment for your pup.
These classes are mainly created to help socialise your pup with other puppies around, people, and new environments. Additionally, basic commands can be taught during these classes, building bonds and foundations for future training.
Also read: Basic Dog Training Commands
Exposure to Different Environments and Situations
This is said to be the main socialisation itself; this is the process of introducing your puppy to different environments and situations and even a variety of sights, sounds, and scents in the world. Because loud sounds like thunderstorms, loud sounds, construction, and large buildings can be scary for dogs when they first encounter them. While socialising, young puppies can learn to adapt to this environment and situation through gradual, gentle exposure and positive reinforcement. What you can do are;
- Don’t forget to take your puppy for car rides and walks to places like pet stores.
- You can quickly visit the vet for a friendly meet-and-greet (no shots, just saying hello and offering treats).
- When introducing your puppy to new people, include individuals of different ages, sizes, and backgrounds. Ask them to interact with your puppy calmly while wearing other clothing, such as hats and costumes.
- When introducing your pet to other animals, ensure that the other animals are friendly, healthy, and fully vaccinated.
- Positive reinforcement, the best form of training, should be used during socialisation. Reward your puppy with treats and their favourite toys for good behaviour when interacting with people and animals. At this point, you can easily observe your pup’s reactions and correct them if needed.
Just like humans, dogs have fears and phobias. If you notice any fear during your interaction, it is advised that you allow your puppy to calm down and reassess the situation. If your pet continues to show signs of fear and anxiety, remove it from the situation.
Also read: Common Dog Fears and Phobias
Puppy Handling
Another important step in socialisation is getting your puppy used to being handled. This process is mostly practised at home. Handling your puppy will help them get used to being touched and handled. But by handling your puppy positively, you will make your canine more comfortable around people and reduce the risk of fear and anxiety as it grows into adulthood.
- Make sure to spend time handling your puppy’s head, ears, eyes, mouth, paws, and tail to prepare them for grooming and vet visits.
- To help your puppy get used to being held still, gently hold them and give them treats when they stay calm. This will make it easier for them to handle getting groomed or having their nails trimmed.
- Always be gentle and careful when handling your puppy. Use a calm and soothing voice, and try to avoid making sudden movements that could scare or startle them.
- Reward your puppy for good behaviour during handling with treats, praise, and affection to create positive associations and encourage calmness during future sessions.
- Avoid forcing your dog into submissive positions to assert dominance. This can cause fear and damage your bond. Instead, use treats and praise and practice cooperative care exercises for long-term acceptance of handling.
Above all, know that your pup’s brains are still fragile, and they know so little, so try to be patient throughout the socialisation process with your puppy. They are just getting used to new situations, environments, and experiences. Socialising your puppy is not a once-and-for-all process but an ongoing process, so try to continue exposing your puppy to new experiences throughout its life.
How to Socialize Adult Dogs
Compared to puppies, socialising an adult dog can be a bit more difficult, and don’t give up thinking your adult dogs can’t be socialised anymore. With patience and effort, you can socialise an unsocialised adult dog. Before you begin the process with your adult dog, take them to the vet for a check-up to ensure they are healthy and up-to-date on all vaccinations, and if you can, update their vaccinations if they are not. Also, let your veterinarian know if you have any questions about your pet’s behaviour, as your vet may also be able to recommend a dog behaviourist or dog trainer who can be a good resource during the socialisation process.
- The socialisation process of adult dogs is not very different, but it is a little more difficult than that of socialising puppies. However, it should be done more gradually.
- Introduce your dog to new people and animals in a calm, controlled environment. Take your time and avoid overwhelming your dog with too many new experiences at once.
- Remember to use positive reinforcement. Give treats and praise to reward your dog for good behaviour when interacting with people and animals.
- Practice training your dog to obey. This will help your dog focus and follow commands, making socialisation easier.
- Watch how your dog interacts with people and other animals. This will help you ensure that it feels comfortable and not overwhelmed.
- Remember to be patient. It takes time for your dog to get used to new situations and experiences, so be patient with them as they socialise.
- If your adult dog struggles to socialise, consider getting help from a certified dog trainer or behaviourist. They can create a socialisation plan for you and your dog.
Socialising an adult dog may take longer than a puppy, but that doesn’t mean it is too late to start. To support your adult dog in becoming a well-adjusted and content family member, it’s essential to employ a combination of patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency. By consistently providing positive reinforcement and maintaining a patient approach, you can help your dog learn and adapt to their role within the family dynamic, fostering a strong and happy bond.
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