Joan the Dog Coach
By Joan Hunter Mayer
Did you recently open your heart and home to a new puppy? Then, this two-part blog series is for you! Part One will briefly introduce the concept of puppy socialization, why it’s essential, how to begin to introduce your puppy to the world, and how to avoid overwhelming your new little one.
What is Puppy Socialization?
It’s important we give young pups the opportunity to have lots of wonderful experiences and form many happy associations with elements of our human world — particularly, pets, people, places, and things that they are likely to interact with as adult dogs.
Why Socialize Puppies?
Puppies are very impressionable and accepting at their young age. Through socialization that consists of positive and pleasant experiences, you’re increasing the likelihood of having an adult dog who is overall more comfortable and confident. Teaching your puppy that the world is a fun, safe place can help prevent behavioral problems that could arise in the future, such as fear and aggression.
How to Provide Positive Learning Experiences
The entire socialization process involves learning by association: new experiences = good things! Pair every new experience (animal, person, location, sound) with things your pup already loves. Use treats, petting, snuggles, toys, games, etc. Deliver these rewards yourself, or let others participate!
Unfortunately, learning by association can also work against us. Sometimes we ourselves, or the environment, inadvertently create associations we don’t want our dogs to learn. So, for every new experience, do your best to keep the level of intensity below anything that might be considered unpleasant for the animal. To keep things positive, reading your puppy’s body language is important, and listening is even more important!
Learn to Speak “Doglish”
When your puppy is encountering something novel, observe both reactions and behavior. Puppies will tell you if they are relaxed and happy to do something. You want your puppy to have that special look when she encounters something new: wiggly body, relaxed facial muscles, bouncy demeanor, and tail wagging in all directions!
Puppies communicate when they’re wary about something too – from appearing a little apprehensive to backing away, tail tucked, mouth closed, hiding behind you. Always allow pups to set the pace as to how quickly they want to learn about new surroundings and situations. Life can be scary, so you want to avoid forcing them to do something they might not want to do. If they want to walk away, allow them to vote with their paws..
There may also be times that your pup’s initial reaction is to merely tolerate, try to ignore, or actively avoid encountering something new. While these responses are normal and being cautious is not only acceptable, but often smart (part of their survival instinct), the goal is for your puppy- and eventually your adult dog- to feel safe and happy in this big, wide world.
So, during this early puppy socialization period, watch closely for signs or signals that it might be best to slow things down or take a break. For example, refusal to eat or lack of interest in food, especially if that’s unusual for your pet, can be common indicators of stress and anxiety. Remember to use ‘baby’ steps so as not to overwhelm your baby, as you move through your puppy socialization checklist together. (Part Two of this blog series will look at how to create a socialization checklist.)
Until next time, thank you for being an inquisitive puppy guardian!
The Inquisitive Canine was founded by Santa Barbara certified canine behavior consultant and certified professional dog trainer Joan Hunter Mayer. Joan and her team are devoted to offering humane, pawsitive, practical solutions that work for the challenges dogs and their humans face in everyday life. Joan offers coaching both in-person and online. If you are feeling inquisitive and have dog training questions, we invite you to contact The Inquisitive Canine for A Pawsitive Approach for Positive Results ™.
