When getting a puppy, socializing with it is key to growing up a confident healthy dog. Despite spending time with your puppy, there are other ways of socialization for them. In this guide find out how.
Proper socialization should introduce the puppy to as many new situations and people as possible.
You should let your puppy meets a lot of different types of people; such as, men, women, very young children, older school-aged children, people in wheelchairs and those that use walkers and many others.
This way they are used to the different ways people look. Before the puppy's vaccinations, it is possible to begin bringing people over to your house for him to meet.
Once your veterinarian agrees its good for your puppy to be outside, you can begin taking your puppy places.
This is a good time to begin taking your puppy on car rides. You can begin taking him to dog parks, the groomers, and pet supply stores.
You can also begin taking him on walks around your neighborhood. All of this will start his training in the outside world.
Socialization exercises should be cut positive and upbeat. You should allow your puppy to approach new things and people in his way and in his own time.
It is best to use treats and praise to help encourage your puppy to approach the unknown and the unfamiliar.
You should never push your puppy past his comfort zone or else he may become fearful. This would do more harm than good.
If you need help in socialization, you can take your puppy to what's called puppy training classes.
There are usually classes for the very beginners, turned puppy kindergarten, these classes teach both you and the puppy all about socialization as well as house training.
They will also help you with new puppy issues that you may not have considered. Your veterinarian should be able to give you a recommendation for classes.
They are typically held at your local pet food store, such as Pet Smart.
-Take regular walks where you will be sure to meet new people and animals
-Visit a dog park when possible
-Invite friends and their dogs over for a play date
-Enroll your dog in doggie daycare
-Keep all interactions positive
-Use praise and treats
Got that so far? Great!
If your dog begins showing fear or aggression when meeting new people were wed in a new environment, then lack of socialization may be the problem.
When this happens, it is best to find a dog trainer or even in animal behaviorist who is used to working with dogs that are fearful or aggressive.
They should be able to help you identify what is exactly causing your dog's behavior. They can also help you create a program that will modify this behavior.
You should also be aware that your dog may require more social experience than another dog depending on his breed and personality.
Dogs that were bred for working and herding, as well as those meant for guard duty, are notoriously more suspicious when encountering new people and places.
Socialization teaches these dogs that they do not need to be suspicious of everyone and everything.
The more good experiences they have, the better the chances are that they'll be more willing to accept new experiences in the world.