Puppy Training Tips – Socializing
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010Dogs must be well socialized from a very early age if they are to accept humans, the domestic environment in which they live and other dogs and animals without any kinds of problem behavior occurring.
Social contact
Dogs are social creatures. Different breeds of dog enjoy the company of people and other animals to different extents, but all like to live their lives in a pack with others, whether human or canine. If denied social contact, they can become badly behaved or depressed. An under socialized dog can be difficult to live with, handle and control, and should be properly socialized for the safety and contentment of all concerned.
Human contact
Dogs need to be taught to behave well around all humans. Examples of these include the following:
Wheelchair users, people with walking sticks or crutches and the elderly.
Babies, toddlers, timid people and people who are not comfortable around dogs.
Energetic and noisy children and adults.
Joggers, cyclists, roller-bladers, skate-boarders and people pushing prams.
People with beards, unusual hairstyles, spectacles, headgear, uniforms or umbrellas.
Delivery people
Many dogs have a particular problem with delivery people, because of territorial aggression (a form of fear aggression). Delivery people come to his territory, where he is most confident, and then, from the dog’s point of view, go as soon as they are barked at, so the barking has worked.
To prevent aggression towards delivery people, make a point of introducing your dog to them, and getting them to give him treats or even throwing a toy for him, so that he views them as rewarding and so welcomes them.
Different environments
Things that are normal to us in our everyday environment both inside and outside the home can be confusing, even frightening, to a dog if he has not been properly introduced to and socialized with them. Items such as a vacuum cleaner, slippery floors, stairs, traffic, hair-drier, the television and washing machine can all be sources of mental distress to a dog.
Get your dog used to such things gradually but persistently, using lots of treats and games so that he views them as rewarding experiences. If your dog has grown up in a busy household, then he is more likely to view household appliances with indifference, but an older dog unused to them needs careful introductions in short training sessions so as not to daunt him.
How To Socialize Your Dog
Socialize your dog at his own pace. Rushing this process can result in him becoming nervous and timid, even aggressive, or it could make formed behavior problems worse, rather than alleviating them. Make introductions to new experiences short and sweet so that your dog views them as good things. Here are some examples.
Going to the vet
Arrange to take your dog just for gentle handling and a treat from your vet, so that he doesn’t associate going to the vet with purely unpleasant experiences.
Car travel
Feed your dog in the car, or have games in it with the doors open (parked in a safe, off road spot) to begin with, so that your dog sees the car as a nice thing to be in. Then make initial journeys very short, ending with going for an enjoyable walk before returning home.
Staying in boarding kennels
Arrange to take your dog to the kennels to meet the staff and to play games with him there. Then take him again another day and leave him for an hour or so, with a toy and his bed for familiarity, so that he learns that you will come back for him. Progress to a day, and then an overnight stay.
Being groomed
Accustom your dog to being regularly groomed by you and other family members, and friends if possible, so that if he needs to go to a grooming parlor and be groomed by strangers it won’t be so much of a problem for him. Take him to the parlor for an initial visit to meet the staff, then when he goes for the real thing he is more likely to feel comfortable about it. Some parlors don’t mind you staying while your dog is groomed, but some dogs are better behaved when their owners are not there.
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