ADVANTAGES OF PUPPY SOCIALIZATION

When you start to take your dog outside and introduce him to the world, this is called puppy socialization. Whether it's interacting with people other than your immediate family or other animals, puppy socialization is the process of familiarising your new pet with the act of experiencing something new. It teaches her to take on new environments and strangers without anxiety but with boundaries. At its best, puppy socialization helps you and your puppy get closer - beyond puppy and owner and better understand each other.

What are the benefits of puppy socialization?

Socialization skills introduced during the first three months of a puppy's life are primary socialization skills. These are the foundation for a lifetime's worth of relationships with humans and other dogs. Without fundamental socialization skills, giving your puppy secondary socialization skills is almost impossible. And without any socialization skills at all, your puppy will never really learn how to interact with others, making her skittish and scared of new people, places, and things.

Why start the socialization process while the dog is a puppy?

Socialization is a process that you and your dog will explore for his entire life, but starting the socialization process early when he's a puppy, allows you to build a strong foundation. Puppy brains can soak up so much information. Every experience is new and equal in its own right. It's not that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but that puppies between the ages of 1 month and three months learn new things so much more readily. Take advantage of their brain absorbency!

How do I socialize my puppy?

You may decide to enroll your puppy in a puppy socialization class to help your puppy adapt to other dogs, but a park where dogs and dog owners commonly go is another option. Introducing your puppy to small children and letting her get used to their high pitched noises and jerky, erratic movements is important as well, and the park is another place where you can do this. Remember, though, to be extra attentive as your puppy meets children. You don't want anyone to get hurt - the child or your puppy.