In many ways, dogs are like our children. They depend on us for almost all of their survival, for example. But dogs are also like kids because they require early socialization if they are going to grow up to be well-adjusted and mentally content. Unfortunately, many dog owners fail to recognize the importance of socialization and, therefore, problems arise down the road.

 

Whether you bring a puppy or an adult dog into your family, socialization is going to be necessary. Now you need to know how to accomplish this goal and also what the ramifications can be if you fail to do so.

 

Understanding Socialization

 

Basically, the term socialization, whether used with children or pets, refers to the exposure to new experiences that are positive. These experiences should include meeting as many new people and animals as possible and visiting locations that are likely to be visited again in the future, such as the vet’s or the groomer’s office.

 

To understand how socialization works, it’s important to appreciate some  facts about dogs . A new puppy is born without being afraid of anything much like a human baby. Starting at about four weeks of age, puppies can begin learning from their experiences. This is when their mother and siblings help teach them important behaviors, such as how to play appropriately.

 

 

Between 8 and 12 weeks of age, an important period of time opens up in the life of the puppy. During these critical weeks, the puppy can do fear imprinting. What this means is that any negative or positive experience that occurs during this four week period makes a permanent impression on the puppy that will impact his personality for the rest of his life.

 

If the puppy, for example, has a bad experience at the veterinarian office during this time period, he may be afraid of going to the vet for the rest of his life. And because each experience continues to be negative because of the dog’s fear nothing occurs to change his reaction.

 

On the other hand, a positive experience at the vet will show the puppy from that early age that this is a location and an activity that isn’t anything to fear. The visits won’t be frightening and, unless something serious occurs later to change that positive reaction, the puppy shouldn’t cause any problems when it comes time for that check-up.

 

But what if you don’t have a puppy during that critical period? After all, many dogs enter homes when they are older. Even an older dog can have the effects of negative experiences reversed but this is much harder and requires more effort.

 

Socializing Steps

 

Whether you are socializing a dog or a puppy, you don’t want to put him into any experience in which you have no control over the outcome. For example, if you want him to meet new dogs, don’t just head to the dog park or for a walk in the neighborhood. You don’t have any control over the interactions – the other dog could be grumpy or the owner could have poor control over their dog. Instead, ask people you know who have dogs you trust to bring their pets to your home or to the park so you know the outcome will be a positive one.

 

During any socialization you must also stay calm and relaxed. If you’re nervous, your dog is going to pick up on that anxiety and could assume this is a bad experience.

 

Once you appreciate these two parts of the process, you also need to understand the different types of socialization that are going to be needed.

 

• Your dog needs to meet as many different types of people as possible both in your home and in public. Good locations for people meeting include dog parks, pet stores, and your neighborhood.
• Your dog needs to meet other dogs and animals. Remember to make sure the first of these interactions are highly controlled so they are positive.
• Your dog should go on plenty of car rides, too. Dogs that do not get much of a chance to travel in cars will probably develop car sickness later on and will be unlikely to enjoy the experience.
• Your dog should visit the vet, the groomer, and other service providers as much as possible during that period to ensure he is not afraid of such experiences.
• Your dog should have a crate and get experience staying in it before 12 weeks of age if you want him

 

In addition, you should ensure your dog has exposure to other sounds and experiences that could be frightening. For example, loud cars or trucks, opening umbrellas, and a variety of other experiences that might occur in your dog’s life. Even mundane things like  thunderstorms  or falling leaves could scare a dog who has never experienced them in a positive way so you always want to be looking for opportunities for socialization.

 

Consequences of a Lack of Socialization

 

When a puppy or dog is not well-socialized, the consequences can be dire for the dog and for your family. Dogs that do not have enough socialization tend to be more fearful and less confident. That means the dog is more prone to developing fear  aggression . For example, if the dog has never had a positive experience with small children and is approached in public by a child with an outstretched hand ready to pet him then he could begin snarling, growling, and even biting to protect himself from a potentially scary situation.

 

 

Poorly socialized dogs are also hard to take into public. Their fear can cause them to drool excessively, can cause them to  bark  incessantly at everything and everyone, and can make them plain difficult. You might not be able to enjoy activities like dog parks or pet stores with your canine companion the way other people can which would be a huge loss for both of you.

 

No matter what age your dog is when he comes into your home, taking steps to socialize him properly is critical.