Socializing Your Puppy: A Forgotten Essential
Posted on Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
For any new puppy owner, there are several things that are planned for. You know that you need to house train your puppy, introduce them to a leash and teach a few basic obedience commands – but by the large, this seems like enough. Unfortunately, there is another aspect of dog training that is often forgotten, yet the training and understanding it provides is absolutely essential: socialization.
It is a sad fact that a percentage of dogs that are put to sleep are not actually ill; they tend to have some kind of social defiency which manifests itself in dangerous behaviour. Sometimes euthanasia can be the decision of the owner, but often – in cases of dogs biting humans or other dogs – the euthanasia is determined by the courts. It is therefore imperative that you take steps to prevent this from happening, and properly socialize your dog.
The idea of socializing a dog may sound complicated, but in reality it’s very basic. Socializing is simply about making sure your dog is, if not totally comfortable than at least calm, in a variety of situations. You need to ensure that your dog is comfortable with other people and animals, or the consequences could be very difficult to deal with. It is for the good of you, your dog and the general populace that they are controllable and preferably happy in a variety of social situations.
No one is saying that your dog needs to be sweet, cute and cuddly around everyone and everything; while ideal, this is rarely achievable. Instead, socialization is just about ensuring your dog is able to handle various situations that may arise without becoming aggressive or violent.
Unfortunately, this is much more difficult with older dogs, as behaviours that are learnt young – such as reacting badly to other dogs – often become ingrained. It is therefore, wherever possible, essential that you begin socializing your dog when they are as young as possible – no age is too young, provided they are suitably vaccinated.
The best thing is to try and control, and if possible manufacturer, a new situation for your dog to deal with. Introduce them to other dogs, but keep your dog on a tight leash and be ready to act swiftly yet calmly should problems arise. The same applies to dealing with children. The absolute essential is to remain calm when socializing your dog and not lose your temper, as doing so can increase the likelihood of bad behaviour. With time and patience, your dog will soon be able to cope with most situations presented to them, and you need worry no more.
No related posts.
