As a pet owner, whether your dog is of mature age or a young puppy, it is important to begin teaching your companion socialization skills from day one. Proper dog socialization does not have to be a burden on you; nor does it have to be part of a daily regimen; but it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with standard dog socialization techniques.
Once you understand how to properly socialize your dog or puppy with people, other animals, and various environments, you can eliminate potential problem areas associated in the dog training field such as aggression, anxiety, fear, and hypertension.
What is Dog Socialization?
People are a lot like dogs in when it comes to being social in their environment. As an example, a person who is on his or her first job interview may experience some anxiety during the process; however, twenty interviews later the same person acts like the interview process is natural and carefree.
The same analogy can be applied to your dog or puppy. Proper dog socialization is the process of introducing your pet to many different things over and over again until they become desensitized to any unnatural fears, anxiety or reactive situations.
Repetition breeds familiarity, so the more exposed your pet becomes to people, other animals and different environments (i.e. Vet clinics, dog parks, Car rides and parking lots), the more receptive and at ease they will become. A socialized dog is very flexible, and makes for a more approachable, well behaved companion.
You may be asking yourself “how do I begin to socialize my dog or puppy?” As a pet owner you will want to introduce your dog or puppy to every possible sound, smell, and situation in a way that is perceived to be normal and non- threatening to his or her environment.
This can be done by introducing them to more dogs, other types of animals, a ringing door bell, multiple people, children, etc. Obviously, dog socialization is not limited to the items mentioned above; however, it gives you an idea on how and where to start.
You will have to be prepared for some setbacks, as most dogs will take some time to desensitize to some situations. Puppies tend to be less threatened or anxious, as they are typically excited by anything and everything new.
Older dogs, may have experienced something in their past that will make them immediately threatened or reactive. Remember, patience is key. And repetition is a must.
So why is dog socialization so important?
When you own a dog or puppy there is nothing more important than having a well behaved pet that minds you and those around you. An obedient pet will be safer in his or her environment as well as keep the owner from suffering any repercussions due to a threatened or reactive dog.
A dog that has not been properly socialized can be dangerous through protective aggression and irrational fear that could ultimately lead to a dog bite, toppling, or destroying property. Unfortunately, a lot of people who own dogs do very little with their pet in order for them to become acquainted with their surroundings in his or her new home.
Even more unfortunate is the pet that never gets out and about in the world to experience different situations. Sadly enough this type of pet owner will often punish their dog for the undesirable behavior without acknowledging that it is not always JUST the dogs fault. Also, dog owners like this will find themselves struggling with the simplest behavioral problems and training issues, much of those due in part to the lack of dog socialization.
