doggiedays

Socialization is an essential part of dog training. Most dog experts agree the ideal time for socialization is between 5 weeks and 16 weeks of age. This is when puppies are most adaptable to new situations and before they have learned aversive behaviors. So what is socialization in the world of dogs?

It is exposing your dog to as many real life experiences as possible. That means they need to meet women; all kinds of women. Tall, short, blond, dark-haired, fair-skinned and dark-complexioned. The need to meet men who are tall, short, bearded and clean-shaven, bald and long-haired. They ned to meet people wearing hats and high heels. They need to meet people who are loud and gregarious and quiet and reserved. And they need to meet children; all kinds of children. Toddlers, teenagers and babies. They need to see bicycles and motorcycles, runners and inline skaters, skate-boarders and people carrying surfboards. Don’t forget people in wheelchairs and people with canes. They need to hear airplanes and vacuum cleaners, the banging of pots and pans and the opening of umbrellas. Every possible situation they could run into in real life is a wonderful conditioner for them. And remember, dogs do not generalize very well so even though they may meet a lot of people in your home, you need to change the venue frequently. Take them to cafes and to the park. To the supermarket and to the beach. The more places they encouter life, the better socialized they will be.

Why is socialization so important? Because it is usually undersocialized dogs who are reactive and can become shy, fearful and aggressive. The more they learn in the safety of your company about the world and that it is not a scary place for them, the happier and better adjusted they will be.

More on this later,

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