Why and When to Socialize Your New Puppy
Puppy socialization should be a top priority for responsible breeders and shelters and should start while still under their care. New owners should continue socializing the pup once he is home and throughout puppyhood. By introducing your puppy to different environments during his developmental stages he will be better acclimated and more confident as an adult dog.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of relinquishment to shelters and cause of death for dogs under 3 years of age.
Why is socialization so important?
- Prevents fearfulness in dogs that can lead to stress and aggression
- Allows dogs to be taken to public places
- Makes interaction with other animals and humans friendly and laid-back
- Reduces stress and anxiety levels of dogs when left at home alone
- Increases ease of veterinarian and groomer visits
- Helps develop well-mannered, happy dogs
Timing
The socialization period for dogs is the time when they open and introduced to different environments, their littermates and mother, other animals of their species, humans and other species.
Socialization should begin during the "sensitive period", which is between 3 and 14 weeks of age when puppies are highly willing to explore and show little fear when encountering something or someone new. During this time, puppies will most benefit from being introduced to new stimuli but will move at their own pace when meeting unfamiliar people or other dogs. Timid pups will take a bit longer to become less anxious in new situations and should always be rewarded with praise or treats after a successful social encounter.
With continued exposure to people, places and things, many will continue to adapt their behaviors beyond the sensitive period.
Socializing an Adult Dog
For those who choose to adopt from a shelter or rescue, often time the dog they bring home is no longer a puppy and has matured out of the prime socialization period. Although it may require a bit more patience, adult dogs can be socialized and learn to accept new, unfamiliar people, animals, and environments. Follow the tips below to learn how to socialize your adult dog.
Teach him basic cues first
Learning cues like find it, leave it, and turn can help redirect or focus your dog’s behavior as needed while working on socialization. During this process, you will also build trust with your dog, allowing him to feel safe when in public with you.
Slowly introduce him to new social situations
Rather than taking your dog to a dog park and surrounding him with new people and dogs, start by taking walks to the dog park and then walking back home. Advance to walking around the dog park so he can see the other dogs playing, and then go into the dog park while keeping him on a leash. This way, you are building his confidence so he can eventually be let off the leash and safely play with the other dogs.
Work on counterconditioning
When your dog sees another unfamiliar dog and doesn't react negatively, reward him with a treat so he starts to associate the sight of another dog with positive emotion. This is called counterconditioning, which is the process of changing a dog’s emotional reaction to a situation from negative to positive by gradually exposing the dog to the situation in a way that does not upset him, while also pairing the situation with a desirable reward.
Recognize Fear and Anxiety in Your Pup
When socializing your adult dog, it is important to recognize signs that he is no longer comfortable. Some signs to watch for include