Dogs
- How To Socialize Your Australian Shepherd
While extremely intelligent and sweet-natured, Australian Shepherds tend to be shy and fearful if unsocialized. The optimal window for socialization is from 10 to 16 weeks. Your goal during socialization should be to introduce your puppy to every person...
- How To Socialize Puppies And Adult Dogs
By Linda Cole All puppies need to be socialized, and if you've adopted a dog from a shelter or bought an older dog, you may need to spend time socializing him, too. Sometimes a dog gets into a fight with another dog at a dog park or at a friend's...
- Tips For Teaching Your Puppy His Name
By Julia Williams When people adopt a puppy, one of the first things they usually do is name him. But once you’ve decided what to call your furry new friend, it’s just as important to begin immediately teaching your puppy his name. Why is it so essential?...
- Tips For Socializing A Puppy
By Ruthie Bently Every dog training book I have ever read has chapters about socializing your puppy. After living with a dog that was not properly socialized when she was younger, I understand the importance of socializing a puppy. You don’t want to...
- What To Do When Your Dog Is Going To Have Puppies
First off, after the dog has been bred, there will be a period of about 65 days (give or take a few) until the pups will be born. During this time, there are a couple of things that you will want to keep your eye on, such as making sure that the...
Dogs
How to Socialise Your Puppy
If you have welcomed a puppy into your home and want to ensure he turns into a happy, well adjusted, friendly dog, then it is crucial you take the steps to determine how to socialise your puppy, then implement them immediately.
What does socialising mean?
It means exposing him to as many different sights, sounds, people, experiences, and environments as you can.
Why is it so important?
It's not enough for him to get used to the people, and other goings on in your own home. He has to be exposed to "life" or he will be anxious, stressed and frightened once he steps outside your front door. That translates into a poor quality of life for him, and possible serious behaviour problems such as aggression. We all know how that story ends don't we? The dog is dumped at a shelter, and most likely killed.
When should I start?
There are some differences of opinion when it comes to the exact age, but the consensus seems to be as much before 14 weeks of age, as possible. After that, puppies tend to approach new things with some hesitation, so as I said, the sooner the better.
Don't worry if your puppy is older than that, you still have to socialise him, it just might take a bit more time and patience.
Your puppy should have his shots before meeting other dogs, so speak to your vet about that. There are plenty of other things to introduce him to, if doggie introductions are on hold.
How do I do it? Who do we meet?
Take your puppy out and about, but don't overwhelm him by exposing him to too many new things at once.
The list is pretty much endless, of what, and who, you can expose your puppy to. Don't stress, thinking you have to meet everyone, and experience everything immediately.
Here are some examples to give you a better idea.
men, women, babies, screaming kids, the elderly, mailman, people in wheelchairs and on bicycles, strollers, rollerbladers
dogs, puppies cats, horses (don't leave him unattended)
car rides, groomer, brushing
walking on different surfaces such as wood, sand, tile, carpet
luggage, broom, wheelbarrows, cars, motorcycles
going to the vet, beach, crowded sidewalks, outdoor cafes, farmers' markets, pet supply store, dog park,
thunder, music, tv, vacuum cleaner, sirens
I hope you found these tips on how to socialise your puppy helpful.
- How To Socialize Your Australian Shepherd
While extremely intelligent and sweet-natured, Australian Shepherds tend to be shy and fearful if unsocialized. The optimal window for socialization is from 10 to 16 weeks. Your goal during socialization should be to introduce your puppy to every person...
- How To Socialize Puppies And Adult Dogs
By Linda Cole All puppies need to be socialized, and if you've adopted a dog from a shelter or bought an older dog, you may need to spend time socializing him, too. Sometimes a dog gets into a fight with another dog at a dog park or at a friend's...
- Tips For Teaching Your Puppy His Name
By Julia Williams When people adopt a puppy, one of the first things they usually do is name him. But once you’ve decided what to call your furry new friend, it’s just as important to begin immediately teaching your puppy his name. Why is it so essential?...
- Tips For Socializing A Puppy
By Ruthie Bently Every dog training book I have ever read has chapters about socializing your puppy. After living with a dog that was not properly socialized when she was younger, I understand the importance of socializing a puppy. You don’t want to...
- What To Do When Your Dog Is Going To Have Puppies
First off, after the dog has been bred, there will be a period of about 65 days (give or take a few) until the pups will be born. During this time, there are a couple of things that you will want to keep your eye on, such as making sure that the...