Socialization Flashcards
What are some risks of unsocialized dogs?
They can be agressive with other dogs and even humans
When is it recommended to start socializing puppies?
Socialization for start at 8 weeks (as soon as you get a new puppy)
During puppyhood, at least through the first 3 months
What does socialization mean?
Exposing young dogs to people, animals, enviroments and stimuli
A properly socialized dog will…
Be handled from birth
Ok with being touched all over (tail, legs, ears, paws, etc)
Be exposed to as many places, people, animals, and situations as possible
Be allowed to play with a number of games/toys with different textures and skills
Be encouraged to explore their enviroment
What are some advantages of socialization?
Desensitises dogs to sounds, sights and smells so they are less afraid
They will be more comfortable with in new situations/enviroments
What would a dog be like if they were not properly socialized?
Not likely to cope well with changes in situations/enviroments
Can develop fear of situations and generalized anxiety
In most serious cases, dog won’t be sutible for human companionship
Why is timing, when it comes to socialization, important?
Experiances puppies have during the first few months of life with shape their temprement, character and behavior for the rest of their lives
If puppies are not socialized within the first 3 months…
Risky behavior later in life (agression), which will be extremly difficult (though not impossible) to change this later on
What can you expect from puppy classes?
Increased resposiveness to commands
Taught when appropriate to use teeth
Taught how to properly interact with people (strangers included) and other dogs
Strengthened bond between dog and owner
Learn tips for housebreaking and preventing hyperactivity
Owner learns how to properly discipline
What kind of poeple should you bring to interact with your puppy?
Freinds and family of varying age, gender, ethnicity, etc.
What kind of animals should you bring to interact with your puppy?
Gentle, well behaved dogs, puppies, and cats that are vaccinated
Bring your puppy over to other peoples homes with (and without) other animals
Why should you expose puppies to unfarmiliar sights and sounds?
To make sure they are not fearful of changes in their enviroment
How can you expose puppies to unfarmiliar sights and sounds?
Rearange furniture
Drop pots and pans
Speak in loud voices
Use the vaccum cleaner, lawnmover, hair dryer, etc
Turn on the TV
Remember the point is not to scare the dog but to reduce their fear
How can you introduce unfamiliar sights and sounds to dogs without scaring them?
Introduce the stimuli gradualy, start farther away and bring them closer
How can you get puppies used to being groomed/bathed and handled?
Get them used to being brushed, bathed and their nails trimmed
Have different people handle the puppy (tough their paws, mouth, ears and tail)
