FetchFind - Socialization

Nov 26

Written By

Socialization

From FetchFind

What is socialization? Socialization is a concept that is often misunderstood when it comes to dogs.

Socialization is defined as the process of becoming social. It is the gaining of experience with novel stimuli and exposure to new things. The socialization process for the puppy happens within a certain period of time in their puppyhood. If they miss this, they can still be "socialized" as an adult, but it is less of socialization and more of a desensitizing or counter behavioral correction. For some dogs, the missed socialization process does not matter as much due to their nature, but for others, it could have dire consequences (depending on the dog).

There are many things to consider for socialization. This includes (and within this list, as many different TYPES of) :

People (elderly, babies, men with beards, people running past, teenagers, mailmen, children, etc.)

Places (vet's office, parking lot...)

Handling (dogs should let you touch their ears, nail clipping, baths, open mouth)

Surfaces (shiny surfaces, wet surfaces...)

Objects (cars, strollers, jingling keys..._

Other Animals (as many types of animals as possible)

Positive socialization should occur before 16 weeks of age and not before 3 weeks of age. Your clients with puppies should have a precise schedule and detailed care instruction for their puppy. For those of you with puppy clients, please review the full information on socialization. It will help immensely with the positive outcome of puppy socialization.