Simply stated, socialization means exposure.  As with all baby animals, there's a set period of time during which puppies explore their environment to learn about what's good and safe; and what's not.  This critical period is the most favorable time to socialize them to everything that they will ever encounter in life - as puppies and as adult dogs.  Opinions differ on how long this window is open, but all agree that once it has slammed shut (most agree it's somewhere around 16 weeks), there's no going back.  Everything that wasn't previously determined to be safe now automatically falls into the unsafe category where it may very well remain for life.  Dogs must be socialized to our world during this time or they will forever be fearful of novel things; be it new people, sights and/or sounds.

The biggest problem people encounter in regards to this advice is balancing it with their vet's warning about the health risks associated with being out and about before they're fully inoculated.  It's true that Parvo and distemper kill, however, MILLIONS of dogs die every year (via euthanasia) due to behavior problems that link directly to a lack of proper socialization.  Please click here to read R.K. ANDERSON'S "Open Letter to My Colleagues in Veterinary Medicine."

There are many places that you can and should take your dog prior to him receiving all of his shots without putting him at risk.  Obviously, you'll want to avoid walking him through places such as parks and pet stores, but why not park your car there and sit together so he can watch everyone else?  Got some errands to run?  Take him with you, but keep him safe inside the car.  He may also accompany you when you visit friends that either don't have a dog or better yet, have one that's fully vaccinated.  Regular exposure to his own species (whenever safe) is equally important and it helps keep his canine communication skills working.  Look for malls or shopping centers, your local Starbucks or a Jamba Juice where the two of you can sit outside and watch the world pass by.  Just make sure that he's in your lap instead of on the ground!

CAUTION: NEVER leave a dog inside your car if the outside temperature is 80 degrees or more, even if you think you'll only be gone a few minutes!  Dogs and kids die every year because their person thought they would be "right back." 

Your goal during this period of his life should be to expose him to the biggest slice of humanity possible.  The standard rule of thumb is 100 people by 16 weeks.  People of all ages, sizes, sexes, races, people that walk, talk and dress strangely, people with tattoos and body piercings, wearing boots, sunglasses, hats, coats, "big hair," carrying umbrellas, riding bikes, on roller skates, jumping, skipping, staggering...etc. 

He should also visit his vet and groomer repeatedly, not to be treated or groomed, but just a short visit to say, "Hi!" and eat a few treats to assure a positive experience/association.  The more he's exposed to prior to 16 weeks, the better adjusted he'll be as an adult.  As he meets new people, and he should meet some every day, ask them to hand feed him some treats so that he'll begin to associate people/strangers/new locations with good things.  Make sure you manage each encounter to ensure a positive experience, even if it means inviting friends over to help versus using random people in the neighborhood.

At the same time that you're doing all of this, you should also be exposing him to things such as the vacuum, garbage disposal, doorbell, a collar and leash, hoses, sprinklers, garbage trucks, big birds, cats, squirrels, horses, noisy crowds, bicycles, motorcycles, car rides, parks, umbrellas, briefcases, grass, asphalt, concrete, gravel, sand, rain (try a hose on your roof or a metal cookie sheet on the floor of your shower), thunder, fireworks, babies crying - the list goes on forever.  "Everything" should first be introduced during this critical period and then re-visited from time to time so that he doesn't forget how to properly react.  Dogs and people suffer equally from the "use-it-or-lose-it" syndrome.  There's no such thing as an over-socialized dog, so be creative and get him out there - you won't regret it!

About the Author

Marilyn Melie is the owner of Obedience Basics Dog Training in Pasadena, CA, www.SmartDawgs.com, and specializes in training pet dogs to be well-mannered members of their families.

Site Notes: The information provided on Los Angeles Dog Trainers .org does not constitute dog training advice, we encourage you to visit our trainers section to contact a local trainer to discuss you and your dog needs. ©2005, 2008 Los Angeles Dog Trainers. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by CityMaker. Website Design by GMH Graphics 

Links | Contact