CLIENT
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Puppy Socialization
•S
ocialization is the learning process through which puppies become accepting of interactions with various
people and animals.
• Localization is the learning process through which puppies become familiarized and accustomed to
various novel objects and environments.
• Proper socialization can help prevent or eliminate behavior problems and help create a better bond
between the dog and the family.
• When introducing puppies to new people, animals, or environments, provide treats proactively so the
puppy associates a positive experience with each new stimulus.
• It’s important for puppies to be socialized around other people and other pets at an early age (before they
are fully vaccinated), but consult your veterinarian about disease risks before exposing your puppy to
novel environments and other dogs with an unknown vaccine history.
• Group puppy socialization classes are a good way to socialize your puppy while minimizing disease risks,
and they provide access to a training expert for guidance.
WHAT IS PUPPY WHY IS PUPPY
SOCIALIZATION? SOCIALIZATION
Socialization is the learning process IMPORTANT?
through which puppies become accept- Unfortunately, behavior problems
ing of interactions with various people remain the top reason that pets are
and animals. Socialization includes relinquished to animal shelters or worse.
localization and allows puppies to Likely, many behavior problems can be
become familiar with and accustomed prevented with early and appropriate
to various novel objects and environ- socialization. Proper socialization helps
ments. Socialization is easiest during the make puppies more tolerant of changes
sensitive socialization period, or the first in their environment and helps prevent
3 months of a puppy’s life. From 3 to 4 common behavior problems related to
months of age, the socialization period fear, anxiety, and/or aggression. Lack of
wanes and puppies become progressive- early proper socialization experiences
ly more fearful, especially in the absence can be just as detrimental as negative
of early positive socialization experienc- experiences for your puppy. Early
es. By exposing puppies to different socialization optimizes the chances for a
stimuli in a positive way (using food dog to be friendly and well adjusted in a
treats) before they are fearful, puppy multitude of environments later in life.
parents can reduce the likelihood of
behavior problems in the future and can WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER
help to build a stronger human–dog ATTENDING GROUP
bond. PUPPY PRESCHOOL
SOCIALIZATION CLASSES?
Group puppy preschool socialization
Puppy Socialization continued
classes can be a safe and controlled place Older puppies outside their socializa-
for socialization to other puppies and tion period should be enrolled in group
people, and they allow for the explora- puppy kindergarten classes with
tion of novel objects and environments. age-appropriate activities and positive
Reputable puppy classes will maintain reinforcement training.
strict health, vaccination, and disease
risk management protocols, thereby Ask your veterinarian for recommenda-
minimizing health risks. Attending a tions regarding group puppy preschool
group puppy preschool socialization socialization classes and for positive
class led by a training specialist has puppy training resources. Your veteri-
The benefits of several advantages. narian can help you determine when
attending group your puppy is ready for class.
puppy preschool Group puppy preschool socialization
socialization classes are offered by many veterinary Among other things, good group puppy
classes include: clinics, dog training facilities, and pet preschool socialization classes should
Empathy and understanding supply stores. It’s important to find a cover:
regarding normal behaviors course that emphasizes pet parent • Proper socialization and environmen-
Expert guidance and education and positive controlled tal exposure
answers to questions socialization experiences and explora- • Play biting and mouthing
or concerns regarding
tion. Classes should highlight appropri- • Destructive chewing
undesirable behaviors
ate management and supervision and • Prevention of food and resource
Introduction to positive
reinforcement training
emphasize positive reinforcement guarding
training rather than punishment or • Crate training and exercises fostering
Knowledge of how to
implement problem-solving
correction. Enrollment should begin independence
techniques during the sensitive socialization period • Handling and restraint exercises
Prevention of behavior
(the puppy’s first 2 to 3 months of life). • Housetraining tips and techniques
problems related to fear,
anxiety, and aggression
A controlled and safe
environment for puppy
play, socialization, and
exploration during sensitive
Kenneth Martin, DVM, DACVB, puppystartright.com.
periods of development
Puppy Socialization continued
different ages, sexes, heights, and races.
If your puppy is enjoying the social
interaction, he or she will readily eat the
treats and/or display affection with a
desired interest in social interaction. It
is important for your puppy to become
comfortable with being handled by
others at the veterinary clinic or
Kenneth Martin, DVM, DACVB, puppystartright.com.
grooming facility. Adding food to social
interactions helps foster positive
associations.
It’s also important for your puppy to
learn to be comfortable around other
animals. Group puppy preschool
socialization classes are a safe place to
expose your puppy to other puppies
because health and vaccination require-
ments should be mandatory for all
participants. If your puppy is older,
consider group puppy kindergarten
classes.
• Basic training for good manners
In general, you should avoid taking your
HOW ELSE CAN I puppy to a dog park or other high-traf-
SOCIALIZE MY PUPPY? fic public area where unfamiliar dogs
The goal of proper socialization is to roam. These experiences should be
expose your puppy to different people, off-limits until your puppy has been fully
animals, environments, and stimuli in a vaccinated. Exposing your puppy to an
safe and positive manner, without infectious disease, such as parvovirus,
overwhelming your puppy. when his or her immune system is still
developing can have devastating results.
Start by familiarizing your puppy with
touch and handling by familiar people. Puppyhood is also a great time to
Whenever possible, when handling your familiarize your puppy with all the
puppy’s paws, ears, mouth, and body, sights and sounds of his or her world,
offer special food treats. This helps to from riding in a car to being around a
foster positive associations with being vacuum cleaner. Once your puppy has
handled rather than just learning to been fully vaccinated, you can expand
tolerate it, or worse, becoming overly your destinations as the risk of infec-
sensitive to handling. tious disease is greatly reduced. Each
time you introduce your puppy to a
Next, in a positive manner, using food new stimulus, make sure to provide
treats, expose the puppy to people of positive reinforcement in the form of
