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Socialization of Dogs
Dogs are indeed man’s best friends. However, like your other friends, your pooch too needs you to be there for him. He needs to know that they will be taken care of. Socialization of your dog is crucial to ensure that your beloved canine companion has a healthy and happy life!
What is socialization?
Socialization essentially is the lengthy (life long) desensitization process through which your puppy is exposed to all new sights, sounds and situations possible. This is done in order to prevent any adverse reaction and to have your dog perceive these situations as non-threatening, non-exciting and ultimately, normal.
Why is socialization so important?
Just as you would love to go everywhere with your friends, similarly, it is natural for you to want to do the same with your dog. Socialized dogs can be taken everywhere as they are trained to handle any situation without reacting in a manner which could be annoying, frustrating and even dangerous. It enables you to take control of your dog’s behavior in public places without him being a source of embarrassment for you.
When does your dog need to be socialized?
In order for you to go about the process of socializing your dog accurately, you must know when to start. Most experts say that as soon as you get a puppy, the process should begin. Socialization occurs most easily before the puppy is 12 weeks or 3 months old. However, almost all veterinarians say that the process should continue even after your puppy has gained adulthood. This is in order to avoid any problems that may result from major life changes such as a change of location.
The process of socializing your dog can be broken down into simple steps, each one of which it is imperative for you to follow:
- The first step is to enroll yourself and your dog into obedience classes. This gives your puppy the ideal environment for training as he can interact with other puppies and their owners. However, do consult your dog’s veterinarian about exactly when you should enroll your puppy in class.
- You should then try to introduce your growing puppy to new environments. It is best to take your dog for a walk in the park. This way he can interact with various dogs and their owners while absorbing all sorts of new sights and sounds. It is recommended that you change the location depending on your dog’s progress to enable him to adjust to different surroundings.
- During this difficult but ultimately rewarding time, arm yourself with treats of all kinds. Use a lot of praise, touch and gentle play in order to encourage your dog. Patience is of utmost importance while teaching your dog to adapt to all kinds of surroundings.
If you follow these steps and equip yourself with all the required information, the process of socialization will be a very enjoyable experience for both of you. How well you introduce him to new situations will in turn enhance his ability to embrace newer sights and sounds. Successful socialization is a never-ending process and will definitely ensure that the sweet, innocent puppy that you brought home grows up to be a reliable adult dog whose company you can derive happiness from, wherever you are.