Puppy Socialization

When you bring your puppy home for the first time chances are you are gonna want to invite the family round to meet him and perhaps even the neighbours. That is a great idea because your puppy needs to meet and greet as many different people as possible.

Puppy Socialization should begin as soon as possible.

Puppies are very much like children and keeping them locked in the house all day is not good for them. They need to experience as many different sights, sounds, textures and emotions as possible. Therefore you should take advantage of the outdoors and take your puppy with you when you go out.

Keeping a puppy away from other dogs is also unadviseable.

You should invite friends with socialised dogs to your house. This will give your puppy the advantage because he will be in familiar territory. Puppies will be curious and will probably approach another dog and have a sniff. However, do not be surprised to then see your puppy jump away and retreat for a while and then return.

On the other hand do not be surprised if your puppy jumps at the chance of playing with his new found friend. If the other dog is older and bit passed the 'play' age you may find that your puppy will continue trying to play and this could eventually annoy the other dog. If the dog is young like the puppy then you could be in for a few hours of non stop barking, jumping and running!

Allowing your dog to interact with other dogs is a great way of socialising and getting him used to the company of others.

Puppies that are removed from their pack at a young age will not have had much experience with other dogs and/or people. They must be given plenty of attention and interaction with both dogs and people.

Your puppy will be vulnerable at a young age to many diseases. You must make sure that any interaction with other dogs is done with those that have all their vaccinations. You should also keep a close eye on any other stray animals in the area such as cats, rats and even birds. Do not let your puppy near them.

Taking your puppy with you to very busy areas like bus stations, schools, shopping centers and beaches is also a very good idea because it will give them the opportunity to meet lots of people. He will also learn a few valuable lessons. Not everyone likes dogs, some people are kind others are not, not everyone likes dogs that jump at them, you cannot run after everyone and everything!

Puppy Socialization is obviously very important and you should be willing to help your puppy as much as possible. You must be firm but patient because your puppy must be given time to learn.

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