By Erin Bessey
besseyspositivepaws.com
One of the most common things people hear about when raising a dog is socialization. Socialization is gently introducing your puppy or dog to new experiences. But simply exposing them to new things isn't enough. The goal is to make sure those experiences are positive, meaning the dog is happy and enjoying it. Positive experiences help build confidence instead of fear.
Puppies have what is called a “socialization window.” During this time, they are like little sponges, soaking up everything around them and being especially open to new experiences. This window usually closes between 3 and 4 months of age. Giving your puppy lots of positive experiences during this time can help him grow into a confident, well-rounded adult dog.
Before your puppy comes home, the breeder or caretaker should already be helping with this process. Puppies should be exposed to different surfaces to walk on, everyday sounds, new objects, and a variety of people. These early experiences help prepare them for the world.
Once your puppy comes home, it's your job to keep that process going. When most people hear the word "socialization," they think it means letting their puppy play with other dogs. While that can be an important part of socialization, it's only one piece of the puzzle.
Proper socialization also means introducing your puppy to different places, people, sights, sounds, and everyday experiences. In my opinion, this is even more important than teaching basic commands during your first few weeks together. You have your dog's whole life to teach skills like sit, down, and stay. But you only have a short window to take advantage of puppy socialization.
Making socialization a priority can have a huge impact on who your dog becomes as an adult.
If you've adopted an older dog who is past the socialization window, don't worry. You can still help him become more comfortable with the world. Older dogs may need more time, more space, and a slower pace as they learn that new experiences are safe.
Let’s break down what socialization looks like. Keeping the experiences positive will likely include the use of favorite treats or toys.
Types of People
Let your dog approach at his own pace, IF and when he wants to. Make sure your puppy is exposed positively to at least 100 different people before 4 months old. Consider sitting with your puppy and watching people from afar. Not every outing needs to result in greeting every person. Don’t forget to reward and look for calm behavior during these interactions.
• Women and men (with facial hair, glasses, a hat, etc.)
• Boys and girls of all ages
• Elderly men and women
• Shuffling people
• Slouched people
• People on crutches, wheelchairs, canes
• People on bikes, pushing strollers, scooters
• People walking strangely
• People in big coats
• Large crowds – like a BBQ
• People exercising (running, jogging, lunges)
Children and Babies
It is really important that your puppy interact with children of all ages. Infants who rarely move are often more tolerated than a baby who is crawling or learning to walk. Toddlers are loud and unpredictable to a puppy or young dog and can be scary.
Different Surfaces
Be creative! You can pile the treats on different weird surfaces to gently encourage your puppy to step on them. Never force your puppy to go on an unfamiliar (or new) surface.
• Tile floors
• Wood floors
• Grass
• Gravel
• Pavement
• Wobbly or unsteady surfaces
• Mud
• Stairs (closed and open back, open sides)
• Leaves
• Child’s plastic sled
• White floors
• Bubble wrap
• Rubber floors
• Carpet
Water
• Sprinklers
• Hoses
• Shower
• Beach
• Bath
• Kiddie pools
• People swimming
• Rain
Places
You don’t have to go inside all places. Simply being outside and experiencing the environment will have an impact. If you are going to take your puppy inside a store, make a courtesy call before to make sure they allow dogs inside.
• Airport
• Skate park
• Bus stop
• Train station
• School
• Supermarket
• Place with crowds
• Main roads
• Streets
• Coffee shop
• Shopping malls
• Playground – work at a distance and gradually move closer.
Situations
• Leashes
• Harness
• Clippers
• Hair dryer
• Being picked up
• Eyes and ears cleaned
• Collar grabs
• Cutting nails
• Grooming
Vet Office
Make arrangements to stop in and visit your vet several times between required visits. This will teach your pup that good things happen here besides getting poked and prodded.
Other things to consider
• Umbrellas
• Balloons
• Parkas & winter hats
• Snowmobile helmets
• Canoes or paddleboards
• Shopping carts
• Flags
• Elevators
• Automatic doors
• Big and small dogs
• Shaggy and short haired dogs
• Cats, rabbits, guinea Pigs and other small creatures
While you don't have to check off every item on the list, the more positive experiences you give your dog, the more he’ll learn to go with the flow. New things won't seem so scary or overwhelming. Instead, they will become just another part of everyday life.
Socialization isn't just for puppies. It's something that should continue throughout your dog's life. The world is always teaching your dog, even when you're not actively training. Whether you just brought home an 8-week-old puppy or adopted a 1-year-old dog, continuing to give him positive experiences will help him feel more confident and better able to handle whatever life brings his way.