The Importance
of
Socializing Your Dog
Have you ever wondered why some dogs just love
people and other animals, while others seem agitated or scared by
them? The answer is simple; some dogs have been socialized from a
very early age, while others have not. As a responsible pet owner,
socializing your dog may be one of the most important things you
can do.
For proper socialization of your puppy, it is
important to start early. Once your puppy has received his or her
series of puppy shots it would be a good idea to enroll them in a
Puppy program. These programs are designed to allow puppies to
interact with other puppies and humans in a safe,
controlled, intimate setting. Most classes will also teach
basic behaviors, like ‘sit’ and ‘down’ and can help troubleshoot
basic puppy development issues.
Conditioning your puppy to new experiences is
another important way of socializing. Exposure to different sounds,
smells, people and experiences will help to prepare your pet for
anything. A trip to the veterinarian’s office to get a biscuit, or
the groomer’s just to say hi, will do wonders. Some outdoor cafés
and coffee shops may allow you to bring your puppy along. The key
here is to go to as many different locations as possible to
expose your puppy.
At around three months of age, you should
consider enrolling your puppy in a Basic Obedience class. Your dog
will learn basic commands and continue to gain socialization
skills. It is important to have all members of the family involved
in the training process. A variety of handlers will also help your
dog to feel comfortable in differing social situations. Basic
classes also help to build your dog’s confidence and strengthen the
bond between you.
"Not Carnegie, Vanderbilt, and Astor
together could have raised money enough to buy a quarter share in
my little dog". Ernest Thompson
Seton
