Highlights
- What is socialization?
- Why is socializing important?
- How do I go about properly socializing my dog?
- What is the time frame for socialization?
- Why use treats and what if my dog won’t take them?
- What does successful socialization look like?
What is Socialization
Socialization is the process of introducing your pup to new people and new environments in order for them to be more comfortable in new places with lots of people. A properly socialized pup will be able to go from one environment to another and meet new people without fear or hesitation.
One of the most important things regarding dog ownership is properly socializing your dog. This includes socialization with people and other animals. This will help your pup not be as anxious or scared when confronted with new people or new situations. A well-socialized dog will be able to function and adapt easily to new environments.
Why Is Socializing Important?
For starters, it’s important for helping your dog build their confidence. The more confident a dog is, the less prone they will be to fearfulness about the unknown. Building confidence is key to having a well-adjusted, happy pup. Some dogs/breeds are naturally more shy and sensitive, so they need this socialization even more to help overcome any obstacles related to fear or panic in certain settings. Another reason for socialization is for your peace of mind, so you don’t have the added stress of your dog possibly panicking, freezing, trying to bolt, etc. This will make you more confident to go out with your dog if you don’t have this worry.
Socializing at a young age is also extremely important. Most dogs experience a fear period between 8-11 weeks and then again between 6-14 months. Preempting this by starting socialization essentially from birth will help combat any serious issues during these fear periods.
How Do I Go About Properly Socializing My Dog?
As with most training, it’s best to start small and work up to bigger challenges. Have your pup socialize with friends and family in a familiar environment such as your home or yard. A place where the pup feels comfortable. If your dog is very shy or wary of new people, this may take some gentle coaxing. It’s a good idea to have your pup on a slip lead during this process so you can keep them close by. Visitors should be encouraged to offer treats, but not to force the dog to interact with them. Most food-motivated dogs will be lured in by the treats and understand quickly that the person is a friend, not a foe.
Once your pup gets comfortable with these types of encounters, they’re ready to move on to the next step, meeting people outside the comfort of their own space. Again, this will take some time and patience on your part. In the beginning, it’s best to stick close to home, so walking your pup around your neighborhood is a good place to start. This way, they’ll become accustomed to the same route, the same people, and the same dogs. Carry treats with you to help encourage your dog to interact with people or dogs while out and about.
As your dog becomes more comfortable with different settings, you can extend these trips and the variety of places you take them. Just remember that patience with this process is key, especially if your pup is more shy and less confident.
What Is the Time Frame For Socialization?
The process of socialization occurs throughout the dog’s life. If you only socialize your pup when they’re young and then go a long period of time without socialization, then you will most likely have to start the whole process over. The older a dog is, the longer it will take for them to gain confidence.
Why Are Treats Important and What If My Dog Won’t Take Them?
Treats can be a useful tool in getting your dog to interact with people or things that may initially frighten them. Rewarding with treats when your dog chooses to interact with someone or something unfamiliar will make them more willing to experience new things. Some dogs, however, can’t be enticed with treats due to overwhelming anxiety. The best way to handle a situation like this would be to distract the dog from the thing that’s causing anxiety. For example, you can play a little game, throw a ball, or give them a toy to help them feel more comfortable in the situation. Having a hard toy to chew on also helps relieve stress. If your dog is not able to focus on treats, toys, etc., then have them remain sitting by you. Once they settle, pet them and love on them to help reinforce that this is the behavior to you want to see; a settled and calm pup.
What Does Successful Socialization Look Like?
A dog that has been successfully socialized will be calm and confident when presented with new experiences and new people. However, bear in mind that like people, dogs will not always want to greet new people and may be uncomfortable in certain situations. We’re not looking for perfection and we’re not looking for a dog to happily greet everyone. What we are looking for is a dog who behaves neutrally; not too excited and not avoidant.
