The Importance Of Socializing Your Puppy
Wow! The world is a great big place out there, filled with all kinds of people, things, noises and smells. Through the eyes of a young puppy, this could be quite overwhelming. Is it any wonder they can become confused, overstimulated and act out a little bit.
This is why it’s so important to socialize your new pup, and you can begin when he/she is as young as 3-12 weeks old (veterinary recommended). This means teaching him to be well-behaved around humans and other animals and helping him to feel comfortable in a variety of circumstances and environments.
Although you can socialize older dogs, it’s easier and important to give your pup these experiences while he is young and less fearful. After the first 3 months, puppies have a tendency to become more cautious about new people and situations.
Benefits of a well-socialized pup…
It is a known fact, that dogs who have been well-socialized are:
- better behaved
- more relaxed and comfortable
- safer, less aggressive
- more resilient
- less fearful
It can actually turn into a sad situation not to properly socialize your pup. Behavioral problems, according to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, rather than disease, is the #1 cause death in dogs under the age of 3 years old, and also the reason many dogs end up in shelters.
Introduce your pup to the world…
That’s basically what socializing is, giving Fido opportunities to experience his new world, the people, animals and things he is bound to encounter throughout his life. You’re giving him a chance, and helping him to see what or who is safe or not safe.
Socializing is a process, it can’t be done all at once, or he can get over-stimulated and confused, and it can’t consist of single experiences, or he will forget.
You will want to get your pup acquainted and familiar with:
- All kinds of people…old, young, large, small, male and female. Just be sure that when children are involved, the situation is well supervised.
- Other dogs and cats
- All types of vehicles and transportation…cars, trucks, skateboards, bicycles and baby strollers.
- Rides in the car
- Places in his new world…parks, fields, water, wooded areas
- Types of things he will walk on…sidewalks, carpet, brick
- Things that make noise…vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, musical instruments
During your pup’s new socializing experiences, be sure you have plenty of treats on hand, and don’t spare the praise.
The Puppy Pre-School at BowWow Fun Towne is a great place to enroll your pup for great socializing opportunities.
We are experts in dog day care, and we care about your dog and take their health and well-being seriously. Our facility features a full size swimming pool for fun and exercise.
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