SOCIALIZATION
Socialization! Socialization! Socialization!
If you’re a pup parent, you may have heard about it.
Socialization is hugely important for pet dogs and can directly contribute to an animal’s overall behavior and demeanor. The level of socialization obtained will determine how that animal perceives and learns about the environment around them. Each individual has different learning and emotional needs, that will effect how they socialize, to consider along the way. Socialization is so critical that even a pup who receives minimal training, but is properly socialized, may still be able to succeed in a human environment with minimal anxiety, and avoid behavior modification issues later on.
BUT HERE’S THE THING: Socialization is not just about playing around with other dogs and meeting people ‘n stuff, it is so much more involved. Socialization is the means by which you share the world, and all it’s bizarre norms, with your companion.
Socialization is what prepares your pup for daily life, and the many different experiences to be had. An individual that has not been exposed to a situation or environment, will surely not know how to operate under those circumstances, and this can be a liability when we’re talking about dogs. Poorly socialized dogs are at greater risk for injury and death (anything from running into the street suddenly, to being attacked) and may jeopardize the safety of others as well. Poorly socialized dogs may be fearful and feel easily provoked, OR on the other side of the spectrum, may run up to every single individual they see, overly-eager, and be a total turn-off!
Socialization is crucial for many reasons, and is the means by which you teach your pup about the world around them. Anything that an individual has not been exposed to - or become familiar with - may fall under ‘The Unknown.’ ‘The Unknown’ is scary, and causes fear, because that is what keeps us safe and alive. Unknown and unfamiliar things are inherently outside of the ordinary, unusual, and therefore a cause for concern.
A fearful dog can behave accordingly and may bark, bite, or bolt, leading to real issues, accidents and emergencies - all of which are entirely avoidable with proper socialization, training, and management.
Pet Parents are not always conscious of the human elements that may be unusual - or scary - for a pup: construction, trash day, fireworks, transportation, household appliances, moveable objects… The list goes on and on. Moreover, socialization begins to shut down around 10-12weeks of age for pups, making successful exposure to novel stimulus increasingly difficult with maturity. By 2yr of age the socialization ship has largely sailed, and personality and demeanor is pretty well established. So, early exposure to a variety of stimuli, done positively and at a level appropriate for the individual learner, is critical to ensure socialization success!
Good socialization occurs when a truly positive association is created from an experience, not just exposing your pup a bunch of ‘stuff’ and ‘things!’ Here are 5 Expert Tips below to keep in mind when socializing your new companion and showing them LIFE!
Do it Right! Pair an experience with an outcome that you know your dog will enjoy, like amazing food, special toys and fun opportunities. Novel stimulus that makes ‘good things happen’ will turn into a good thing itself - it’s science!
Don’t Overdo It! Start slow and don’t push your pup to an uncomfortable limit. Many pups will endure multiple Fear Periods throughout their development which can pose temporary setbacks, so go at pup’s pace and evaluate body language along the way!
More is NOT More Flooding is not the way to go! Start small and build up gradually to more intensive situations, as they become appropriate. Positive experiences create the associations needed for your pup to be as successful as possible. Quality over quantity always - if it’s not positive for pup, it’s not socialization!
Paint a Complete Picture You’ve taken a spin around the block with your pup, no problem? Great! Now do it at night time. Has your pup learned to greet and play with others? Great! How about learning to let others alone as well! Add balance to experiences and behaviors by creating a complete and well-rounded perspective for your pup.
Take Breaks! Events may be paired with down-time to ensure that experience is absorbed and the nervous system can recover too! Provide the opportunity for pup to process information and take breaks as needed. Had a successful practice? A lil savasana may be in order to feel the accomplishment!
Socialization is how your prepare yourself and your companion for a successful future together, and most importantly, the means by which you can learn about your companion, and avoid unnecessary behavior issues in the future.
There are many creative ways to safely socialize your dog AT ANY AGE.
Not sure how to positively socialize your pup? Let us know! We are here to help.
