Socializing Your Puppy
Homemade Puppies, LLC strives to be your trusted source for not only connecting with your new fur-baby, but also answering the dog related questions you may have to enhance your experience with your dog/puppy. Each week our in house dog expert, Katie, answers your puppy and dog questions. Submit your canine questions to info@homemadepuppies.com.
As always puppies advertised on Homemade Puppies are always 100% raised in-home by responsible family breeders...never raised outside or in a barn, etc. No Puppy Mills, ever. We promise. www.homemadepuppies.com
Here is this week's blog from Katie!
What is Socialization?
The definition of socialization is "the activity of mixing socially with others" and "the process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society". Socialization of our dogs is SO important. Socialization should begin the minute you acquire your puppy. If you get a puppy from a good breeder, socialization will have already begun before you even brought your puppy home! The prime age for socialization is 3-16 weeks. This is when puppies are most easily adaptable to new sights, sounds and experiences. There are many positive outcomes that result from a well socialized dog.
How do we socialize a puppy?
Many people think that taking their puppy out a few places is enough to socialize their puppy. Meet a few friends and family and socialization is done. That is not enough however. It's very important for the puppy to be exposed to as many different places, sights, surfaces, sounds and people as you can before the puppy is 16 weeks old. Many breeders will play soundtracks of thunder storms, sirens, fireworks, babies crying, etc to acclimate very young puppies to these sounds. Puppies raised in home will get to experience the sounds of a home such as vacuum cleaners, the washing machine, blenders, doorbells, etc. Having visitors is very important too. Exposing puppies to various ages, ethnicities, gender, etc all help the puppy be comfortable with various people. Providing different surfaces for the puppies to walk on is another way that breeders begin early socialization with their litters. If your breeder took these steps to socialization you are already off to a great start!
When you get your puppy, you want to carefully and systematically take your puppy to as many different places as possible. You want to be careful to ensure that the experiences are positive and not too scary for your puppy. A very bad or scary experience can be just as detrimental to socialization as a lack of experiences. You also want to ensure the places you are taking your puppy are healthy for your puppy. Avoid places like dog parks or pet stores where a large number of dogs frequent until your puppy has at least two rounds of vaccinations. Instead, search out friends or neighbors who have friendly dogs to socialize your puppy with. A well run puppy socialization class is a valuable investment as well.
When you have your puppy out make sure to bring rewarding treats, things your puppy loves. Offer treats for calm, relaxed behavior. If your puppy won't take treats it is likely that he is overwhelmed. Make sure to read your puppy's body language and signals. A stressed out puppy will be learning more negative things than positive.
There are lots of check lists that can be found online that list good socialization experiences for your puppy.
Why Socialize?
There are many life long benefits to early socialization. A well socialized dog will transition into new situations easier. Dogs who haven't been well socialized can become fearful of new circumstances. Socialization promotes a healthy lifestyle for your dog. A well socialized dog will be a joy to take places. It will be easier to exercise them by taking walks, hikes or playing with other dogs. It will make it easier to take them to the vet, groomer or boarding kennel or take them with you wherever you go. If a dog is worried or anxious about situations they aren't familiar with, due to lack of socialization, they will often react with aggression or other inappropriate behaviors, and that's no fun for you or your dog. Studies show that behavior problems that stem from lack of socialization and training, such as fearfulness, unruliness, and aggression, are the number one reason dogs are surrendered to shelters. These dogs are then more at risk for euthanasia due to being labeled unadoptable because of their poor behavior.
In conclusion, early socialization and training is the number one thing you can do for your puppy to ensure that he or she is a loved, well behaved family member for years to come. Continued socialization as your dog ages is important also and should be enjoyable for you and your dog, due to the work you put in when your puppy was young. If you have questions about socialization, please reach out to a trusted trainer or veterinarian in your area. They can often recommend puppy classes or trainers who can aid you in the proper socialization of your puppy.
❤ Katie Watterson
Do you have a question for Katie? Submit your question(s) to info@homemadepuppies.com.
Looking for a puppy? We have a large variety of puppies from pure-bred to mixed breed and large to small. Check out the in-home raised puppies we offer at www.homemadepuppies.com. The puppy's information such as location, description, price, breeder's contact information will be listed on the puppy's page. As always puppies advertised on Homemade Puppies are always 100% raised in-home...never a kennel or barn, etc. No Puppy Mills, ever. We promise.
Do you have a litter of in-home raised puppies that you would like to advertise on www.homemadepuppies.com? Email info@homemadepuppies.com for more information on how to get started!
Thank you!
Don't forget to catch Katie's blog from last week: https://www.homemadepuppies.com/lets_talk_about_puppy_biting
*As always Katie's advice is on this blog are only meant to be used as tips and should never replace your veterinarian's advice. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your dog's health.
