Dog Socialization
Want a dog who's friendly and trustworthy around both people and other dogs? You might think all you need to do is find the right breed or dog, and your job is done. In reality, how you care for your dog plays a big role in how he responds to people and other canines--especially if you've got a puppy.
There's a short period in a puppy's development, from very early puppyhood to three or four months of age, when his experiences have a big effect on his entire approach to life. If he has lots of positive encounters with other dogs, all kinds of humans, and new situations during that developmental window, he's far more likely to grow up to be a confident, relaxed, and friendly dog. Trainers call this process socialization.
Puppies who aren't socialized can grow up to be fearful of other dogs, people, and just about anyone and anything outside of their routine--and that fear can lead to aggression. A study from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine found that unsocialized pups were 580 times more likely to wind up with aggression problems.
Although puppyhood is the prime time for socialization, it's not the only time. Even a dog who had a hopping social life in his youth can become less friendly over time if he's isolated during adulthood. And if your adult dog didn't get enough socialization growing up, you may be able to improve his social skills--although an adult's personality is more fixed than a puppy's. You'll have to move slowly and cautiously, and if you see signs of aggression or extreme timidity, get help from a professional trainer or behaviorist right away.
How to raise a friendly dog
Don't take a puppy away from his mother and littermates before eight weeks of age. Interactions with their moms and siblings teach young puppies a lot about getting along with other dogs. If you take your puppy away from his canine family too early, you'll do permanent damage to his social skills.
Give your dog plenty of positive experiences with other dogs. Obedience classes, dog park romps, and playdates with your friends' dogs will help him learn how to get along with other canines. For puppies, playing with other pups has another, even more important, benefit: it teaches them not to bite humans.
Give your dog plenty of happy experiences with all kinds of people. Big kids, little kids, running-skipping-yelling kids, tall men in boots, round women in hats, and people of every shape, color, and size. If your dog gets regular exposure to humans of all stripes, especially in puppyhood, he's less likely to be fearful or aggressive. Experts recommend throwing "puppy parties" to expose a young pup to lots of different people when he's learning how to behave around humans. You can also have your dog make friends with the mail carrier and your neighbors, and take him to cafes or to work.
Let your dog live indoors. There are no good "outdoor" dogs. A dog who lives in the home, with his human pack all around him, will be more comfortable with people and the bustle of the household, and he'll be much happier too.
Expose your dog to all kinds of noises and experiences. Skateboards, bicycles, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, and the like can frighten a dog who's not used to them. Nail trimming, being grabbed by the collar, getting touched on the rump or other potential "hot spots," and having people around his food bowl won't get a warm response either. The solution is to expose your dog to all these experiences, ideally during puppyhood. If you have an adult dog, be sure to move slowly and keep the mood positive, with food treats to reward him at each step. (This works for puppies too.)
Bottom line: Teaching your pup to be dog- and people-friendly is your most important job as a dog owner. It keeps people safe around your dog, and--since aggressive dogs are often put down--it keeps him safe around people. Give your pup regular exposure to dogs and all kinds of people, especially during puppyhood, and you're more likely to have a confident, sociable dog.
Experts Questions and Answers
My kids are still young but we'd like to get a dog. Which breeds are best with children?March 31st, 2011
We have a big family with people coming in and out of our home all the time. Are some dogs more social than others?March 31st, 2011
Why does it seem harder to get a dog from a shelter or rescue group than from a breeder?March 31st, 2011
We have a male dog and are planning on adopting a new puppy. Obviously, we want them both to get along. Do males tend to get along better with othe...March 31st, 2011
If I adopt a dog from a shelter, how will I know he or she doesn't have any behavioral problems?March 31st, 2011
How do I know what I'm getting when I adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue group?March 31st, 2011
When is muzzling a dog appropriate and can you recommend a certain kind?March 31st, 2011
A trainer prescribed "desensitization" for my dog's separation anxiety. What does that mean?March 31st, 2011
My husband and I are expecting our first child and I'm really concerned that my dog Tasha is going to be upset or feel left out. I want to make sur...March 31st, 2011
I know that "play dates" are a great way to socialize puppies. How do I set one up and what should happen during one?March 31st, 2011
How do I know if my dog is getting enough exercise?March 31st, 2011
I know jogging isn't a good idea - what exercises are appropriate for my pup until she's full grown?March 31st, 2011
How many times a day should I give my dog a bathroom break?March 31st, 2011
I'll be bringing a puppy home soon--how should I prepare or "puppy-proof" my house?March 31st, 2011
How long can you leave a puppy in a crate for housetraining?March 31st, 2011
I thought my puppy was housetrained, but she had an accident. What do I do?March 31st, 2011
Must all puppies eat "puppy food" or is it okay to just feed them larger servings of regular dog food?March 31st, 2011
At what age is it appropriate to stop feeding my dog puppy food and do I need to phase it out gradually?March 31st, 2011
What am I buying when I pick up dog food labeled "for puppies?"March 31st, 2011
How do you know when your dog no longer needs her crate for housetraining?March 31st, 2011
|
my dog is friendly to everyone tnhe good thing he only bites us but play bite he never gets mad and he forgives us thats very good right? over 2 years ago by Anonymous |
|
|
My greyhound I had for 7 months now the only time he bits if he is sleeping and you go and hug him he will bit He got my 4 year old on the top of the head. Then he walk over to her to kiss her. I know this is not good but I don't know how to make it better I called a few dog trainers. One said that he could not help me with a biting dog and the other trainer called me and then she never got back to me. But I did find a trainer but he is 15 hours away from me. So now I looking on here for help. almost 3 years ago by Anonymous |
|
|
I own a 3 month old maltese-shih tzu male, he hasn't had much contact with other dogs since he left his mother and littermates at 8 weeks. Is it too late to socialize him? He is great around all kinds of people though. thanks. about 3 years ago by Anonymous |
|
|
A dog that has been exposed to lots of people or 'socialized' has not necessarily enjoyed those interactions and so is uncomfortable with people. Even a dog that is ok with adults can be afraid of kids and should never be left alone with them or have them come any closer to him than he is ok with. You need to understand about triggers, thresholds, counter conditioning and desensitization. The fearfuldogs.com website has information about helping a dog learn to be more comfortable with things that bother them. over 3 years ago by Anonymous |
Recent conversations on these topics
-
Wounded Pup On DogFinder
I saw this poor puppy on the DogFinder page (link below)...someone in a wheelchair fell on him broke 3 legs/7 bones! I wish we could help him find a home! <a href="http://dogtime.com/finder/details/213664-champ-english-foxhound-american-pit-bull-terrier-mix-philadelphia-pa">Champ</a>
-
ugg boots clearance
<a href="http://www.australia-uggs.net">australia uggs</a>mework to provide a enhance goose much more generous fashion, but in add-on extremely comfortable A babe consistently wants to be informed, and absolutely hopes [url=http://www.longboots.org]ugg boots clearance[/url]
-
Reebok NFL Jerseys
<a href="http://www.ugg-outlets.org">ugg outlet</a> <a href="http://www.ugg-com.com">ugg bailey button</a> <a href="http://uggs-bootsoutlet.com/ugg-boots-clearance-c-106">ugg boots clearance</a> <a href="http://cheap-boots.org/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=97">UGG Roxy</a> <a href="http://uggs-bootsoutlet.com/ugg-roxy-short-5828-c-66">ugg roxy</a> <a href="http://www.uggs-bootsoutlet.com">ugg for cheap</a> <a href="http://www.uggs-bootsoutlet.com">uggs boots outlet</a> <a href="http://www.uggs-bootsoutlet.com">UGG Boots Sale</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">Cardy ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">leather ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">ugg sheepskin boots</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">tall ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.buttonboots.org">UGG Classic Mini</a> <a href="http://www.boots-online-sale.com">USA UGG Boots</a> <a href="http://www.boots-online-sale.com">UGG Sheepskin Boots Sale</a> <a href="http://www.boots-online-sale.com">ugg brand boots</a> <a href="http://www.boots-online-sale.com">buy ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">tall ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">Short ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">classic ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">ugg boots on sale</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">ugg australia boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleboots.com">discount uggs boots</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">wholesale uggs</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">Cheap ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">buy ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">kids ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">ugg boots australia</a> <a href="http://www.cheap-boots.org">UGG Sheepskin Boots</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">Uggs Classic Short</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">Classic Short Boots</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">classic short ugg</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">Classic Boots</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">UGG Short Boots</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">uggs short</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info">uggs classic short</a> <a href="http://www.classicshort.info/ugg.roxy.short.5828.c.71">ugg roxy</a> <a href="http://www.uggs-bootsoutlet.com/ugg-boots-clearance-c-106">ugg boots clearance</a> <a href="http://www.uggboots-clearance.org">Ugg Boots Clearance</a> <a href="http://www.uggboots-clearance.org">UGG Clearance UK</a> <a href="http://www.uggboots-clearance.org">UGG Clearance outlet</a> <a href="http://www.uggboots-clearance.org">UGG outlet</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">Crochet Boots</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">Classic Crochet BootS</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">ugg Crochet Boots</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">ugg cardy crochet boots</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">crochet winter boots</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">knit ugg boot store</a> <a href="http://www.crochetboots.org">Classic Crochet for Women</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">cheap ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">argyle knit boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">chestnut ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">Ugg Classic Cardy Boots</a> <a href="http://www.argyleknitboots.com">Ugg Classic Short Boots</a> <a href="http://www.australian-boots.net">UGG Bailey Button 1873</a> <a href="http://www.australian-boots.net">UGG Classic Tall 5815</a> <a href="http://www.australian-boots.net/ugg-roxy-short-5828-c-65">ugg roxy</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">Cheapest ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">ugg boots uk</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">cheapest ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">cheap ugg boots</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">ugg boots on sale</a> <a href=" http://www.ugg-boots-europe.com">tall ugg boots</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com">wholesale NFL Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com">Cheap NFL Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com">NFL Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com">kids nfl jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/2011-nfl-super-bowl-xlv-jerseys">super bowl jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-new-orleans-saints-jerseys">wholesale Saints Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-baltimore-ravens-jerseys">baltimore ravens jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-buffalo-bills-jerseys">wholesale buffalo bills jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-cincinnati-bengals-jerseys">cincinnati bengals jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-cleveland-browns-jerseys">cleveland browns jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-denver-broncos-jerseys">denver broncos jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-houston-texans-jerseys">houston texans jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-indianapolis-colts-jerseys">indianapolis colts jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-kansas-city-chiefs-jerseys">kansas city chiefs jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-jacksonville-jaguars-jerseys">jacksonville jaguars jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-miami-dolphins-jerseys">miami dolphins jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-new-england-patriots-jerseys">new england patriots jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-new-york-jets-jerseys">new york jets jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-oakland-raiders-jerseys">oakland raiders jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-pittsburgh-steelers-jerseys">pittsburgh steelers jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-san-diego-chargers-jerseys">san diego chargers jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-tennessee-titans-jerseys">tennessee titans jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-arizona-cardinals-jerseys">wholesale cardinals jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-minnesota-vikings-jerseys">wholesale vikings jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-san-francisco-49ers-jerseys">san francisco 49ers jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.wholesalenfls.com/wholesale-atlanta-falcons-jerseys">atlanta falcons jerseys</a> <a href=" http://www.nfljerseysoff.com">wholesale nfl jersey</a> <a href=" http://www.nfljerseysoff.com">kids nfl jerseys</a> <a href=" http://www.nfljerseysoff.com">super bowl jerseys</a> <a href=" http://www.nfljerseysoff.com">Reebok NFL Jerseys</a> <a href="http://www.longboots.org">ugg boots clearance</a> <a href="http://www.australia-uggs.net">australia uggs</a>he flag of Australia and thus, it follows that every pair meet up with the standards and excellence of the country in order to be notably famous as best quality bootsIn a company statement, Emu chief operating officer Dave Porter said: The fact that UGG Australia has filed a lawsuit against a company for misleading consumers makes us laugh down here in Australia Sheepskin Boots100% authentic sheepskin for unrivalled comfort Furuggs on saleBoots is founded on the
-
replica swiss watches
If you want to buy some,I recomeend <a href="http://www.repliquemontres.org" title="http://www.repliquemontres.org">replique montre</a>,<a href="http://www.repliquemontres.org" title="http://www.repliquemontres.org" >replique</a>,<a href="http://www.sir-mgmt.com" title="http://www.sir-mgmt.com">swiss replica watches</a> to you!You maylike this <a href="http://www.sir-mgmt.com" title="http://www.sir-mgmt.com">replica watches</a> <a href="http://www.repliquemontres.org" title="http://www.repliquemontres.org">repliques montres</a> and <a href="http://www.replicaswisswatches.us" title="http://www.replicaswisswatches.us">replica watches</a>.Thank you for come to replicaswisswatches.us!
Update: Missouri's Prop B rewritten in favor of breeders
by Leslie Smith on April 14th, 2011
Confession: I'm confused by the revisions to Prop B that came out of yesterday's congressional assembly...
Project Puppy: the all-important Gotcha! game
April 12th, 2011
Gotcha! Game: fun and important for safetyJust one visit to a local dog park should be enough to...
Understanding canine aggression
March 31st, 2011
There are very few dogs who are prone to aggression regardless of the situation. That's why it's...
Keeping your dog's feet on the ground
March 31st, 2011
It is a natural instinct for most dogs to jump up on their human family members in an exuberant greeting....
Top 10 dog care essentials
March 31st, 2011
There are few things in life that are more fun and rewarding than bringing a dog into your family....
- See all Topic Articles »
related topics
Adolescent Dogs
March 23rd, 2009
Adult dogs
March 23rd, 2009
Aggression toward dogs
March 25th, 2009
Aggression toward people
March 25th, 2009
Bringing home your dog
March 23rd, 2009
Dog Adoption
November 30th, 2010
Dog Biting and Mouthing
March 25th, 2009
Dog Marking & Housesoiling
March 4th, 2010
Dog Muzzles
May 7th, 2009
Dog Names
November 30th, 2010
Dog Training Classes
January 5th, 2009
Dog rescue and animal rescue stories
December 8th, 2010
Driving With Dogs
January 5th, 2009
Feeding a puppy
April 29th, 2009
Introducing dog to cat
April 19th, 2009
Microchips for Dogs
May 7th, 2009
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in Dogs
February 21st, 2009
Puppies
November 30th, 2010
Puppy proofing
May 4th, 2009
Raising a dog-friendly dog
April 18th, 2009
Raising a people-friendly dog
April 18th, 2009
Senior dogs
March 25th, 2009
Separation Anxiety in Dogs
April 18th, 2009
featured articles
Dog bites anchorwoman on live TV
by Leslie Smith on February 9th, 2012
Animal behavior: Like baby, like dog
February 10th, 2012
eBay: Please stop enabling unscrupulous breeders
by Leslie Smith on February 8th, 2012
Former ‘Bachelor’ star to help control dog population
February 8th, 2012
Romney dog redux: Car stopped for suspected animal cruelty
February 9th, 2012
offers from our sponsors
Coupons and free offers on dog food, dog supplies, and more
March 31st, 2011
Eukanuba 28 Day Challenge
July 13th, 2011
0 comments | leave your own comment