How To Get Your Puppies To Socialize
Between 3 and 12 weeks of age, a key moment occurs in the life of every domestic dog. During this period of time, dogs learn to relate to their environment and everything in it ; and it is just in this period when it is necessary to get the puppies to socialize.
Socialize with your environment
In addition to other living things, puppies must also learn to interact with objects that will be present throughout their lives. Any pet must know how to live with other animals and with people of any age. You also have to set limits and make them ‘understand’ that there are things that they are not allowed.
There are some cases that are repeated in domestic homes:
- Aggressive or insecure dogs that do not get along with other dogs or cats.
- Animals that constantly bark or ‘steal’ toys.
- Exemplars that do not follow a single order, nor do they obey a command voice.
- Pets that embarrass their owners in front of strangers.
These and other cases are examples of domestic dogs that were not properly socialized while growing up. They really are pets that don’t know how to behave, because they never learned.
Live and coexist
Getting puppies to socialize is key to having a full and happy pet. Also so that life in the family environment passes without major shocks.
Dogs learn the rules of coexistence from their mothers and their human owners. In addition, they are born prepared to respect a hierarchical order and follow guidelines. When puppies are adopted, their benefactors have to make clear rules from the start.
At all times you must educate yourself through positive reinforcement; punishments only give the animal the wrong idea of things. Each new experience should be pleasant.
How to get your puppies to socialize: some tricks
To socialize, you have to leave the house, and the same to know everything that is in the environment. The first walks of pets with their owners should take place almost at the same time that the puppy was received in its new home. If you still do not have your complete vaccinations, it is recommended that you leave in arms.
In this period each outing represents a new adventure and something to learn ; the puppy must know other people and other pets. If another dog is to be ‘introduced’ to you for the first time, this should be a docile animal, with no problems to socialize. The same when you first meet a cat.
If his first experiences with other animals are traumatic, it will take a lot of work to get the puppy through the unpleasant moments. As a defense mechanism, it can become very aggressive or too shy. In both cases, it will be an emotionally unstable animal.
Bite inhibition
The habit of teaching dogs not to bite, or to do it gently in moments of distraction, is a key point of the socialization period.
When puppies stay with their mother and siblings, this knowledge is passed on through games and the puppy quickly learns what it is all about. If he bites very hard and hurts his companions, the activity ends on the spot.
In the absence of other dogs, the owner has to take the position of master. To do this, you must allow the puppy to chew on your hands for fun. When the animal applies too much force to its jaw, with an energetic voice it should say “no” or “ay” and express the pain. Also, right at that moment the game must be suspended.
The handler will have to ignore the dog for a few seconds before playing again. These classes should be repeated in different places and if possible with other people, so that the puppy generalizes it. It is not recommended to involve very young children in these activities; the results can be very disappointing for both of you.
A slow process
Getting the puppies to socialize can take time, especially when it comes to specimens that are over 12 weeks old or that have experienced traumatic episodes. In any case, forcing the animal to adapt to a new situation – such as traveling by car – is the worst option to choose.
