Puppy Socialization
Socialization and puppy training are extremely important, as puppy hood is a critical time in your dog’s development. What you do or don’t do now will affect your dog’s behavior forever.
.Neonatal or newborn 1-2 weeks – Research shows puppy handling seems to have a beneficial effect both behaviorally and physiologically. Animals handled early show a more rapid rate of development in organ system, motor coordination and earlier eye opening.
Transitional Period 3 weeks – This stage is short but very active. Eyes and ears open and play between litter mates begins. Handling aids in locomotor development and begins the socialization process. Puppies begin to learn about people. This is the time to vary surfaces to walk on, boxes to explore and anything to stimulate puppies to be active, inquisitive and mobile.
Socialization Period 4-12 weeks – This time is critical and what occurs or doesn’t occur can have a large impact on later behavior. Puppies need to spend time with other puppies, adult dogs and humans. Play biting helps the pup learn to inhibit its bite by modulating pressure of its jaws. Puppies that are removed too early (4-5 weeks) often can have difficulties around other dogs when they are adults. They may be fearful or respond aggressively. Exposure to humans is critical during this time. Lack of exposure prior to 12 weeks can result in fearful responses to human interaction. When well socialized, puppies approach people using the same submissive postures and gestures that they use to approach other dogs. The quality of human interaction is as or more important then the quantity. Utilizing treats let puppies know that human hands bring good things. Avoid harsh discipline, strong punishments and stressful situations as they can have lasting effects on later interactions. This is a good time for training to begin and puppy classes can accomplish this.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do invite friends over to meet your pup. Include young, old, male, female, different ethnic backgrounds and the disabled.
Do have your pup meet friendly dogs, cats, etc.
Do take your pup to shopping centers, parks playgrounds to introduce them to crowds
Do take your pup for short, frequent rides in the car and let them observe the outside world from the window.
Do allow your pup to investigate his environment while supervised, experiencing umbrellas opening, boxes, bags, etc.
Do acquaint your pup with loud sounds such as vacuum cleaners, trains, etc. This should start out at a distance and gradually brought closer.
Do have your pup get used to being brushed, bathed, and having their nails trimmed and ears and teeth inspected, preparing them for grooming and the vet visits.
Do introduce your pup to the stairs, his own collar and leash and anything you want your puppy to be comfortable around.
Don’t put your puppy on the ground where unknown animals have access. If your puppy has not completed his shots he could pick up diseases.
Don’t reward fearful behavior. Attempts to sooth a frightened pup could end up rewarding the behavior. It is normal to be apprehensive in new situations.
Don’t allow an experience to be harmful, painful or excessively frightening. This can cause life-long phobias in your dog.
Don’t rush or force your pup. Let him take things at his own pace. Your job is to provide opportunity.
Don’t do too much at one time. Pups need a lot of sleep and tire quickly. Brief exposure is more productive then prolonged exposure.
Integrating your puppy into your home
Be prepared for a quiet, safe puppy-proofed place. A crate is the most desirable. This will minimize destruction and maximize housetraining. Set aside time to bond with your puppy. Remain calm, patient and give consistent attention. Allow time for your puppy to become familiar with the routine of eating, pottying and playing.
Housetraining
Puppies need to eliminate when they first wake up, about 20 minutes after they eat and after any vigorous play activity. A key word facilitates housetraining. Whether its "go potty" or something else you make up, be consistent, as then they will learn to eliminate on command. Accidents do occur, but punishment is not helpful. The best thing to do is remove the puppy either outside or into the crate and clean up the mess. Accidents usually occur due to lack of supervision before the puppy has learned the appropriate toileting area. Harsh punishment will likely only inhibit the toileting process.
Discipline
Young puppies are easily intimidated and you need to keep this in mind when disciplining young pups. Harsh reprimands can scare a puppy and produce fearful reactions. Puppies are more easily disciplined with vocal intonation and loud noises and it is easier to teach what you want rather then discipline what you don’t.
Do take your pup to positive method training classes. Feel free to inquire about the kind of training is used and expect to be allowed to observe a class. Observing a class will make you feel more secure that you’ve picked the best positive method available. If you’re uncertain about trainers, contact your veterinarian, who should have a list of trainers in your community.
Information taken from Puppy Socialization: Raising Great Dogs, Today’s Breeder Magazine and Socialization Tips and Puppy Training Pointers for New Puppy Owner, Perfect Paws website, www.perfectpaws.com.
