04/11/2025
STOP WAITING TO SOCIALIZE YOUR PUP!!
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour (AVSAB), and virtually EVERY knowledgeable body, clearly states that the optimum time to socialize your pup is the FIRST 3 MONTHS. During this period, the brain develops rapidly, and sociability outweighs fear, meaning associations are easily made & puppy is less likely to avoid new experiences. After about 4 months, neuroplasticity (the ability to make new connections) drops significantly, making it much more time consuming to adequately socialize your teenage/adult dog - it can be done, but what takes minutes with a 10wk pup can take weeks or months as they age.
Socialize SAFELY, and understand what 'socialization' is & is not. *Real* socialization is about conditioning positive emotional responses to the wide variety of stimuli in the world. It is NOT about saying Hi to every dog or person they encounter. It's about learning that people, places, things, noises, and other animals are largely irrelevant in our day to day, and certainly nothing to be scared of.
Safe socialization can include going for car rides to watch people go in & out of stores from the car; go to a park to watch birds & squirrels & dogs & people; indoor group obedience classes (I have new classes starting every month); having friends drop in to visit; and simply sitting on your front porch to watch the world go by. Notice that dog parks are not on the list? This is because they can't be cleaned like the floor of a training space, and may be visited by dogs of unknown health or vaccination status, so pose a high, unnecessary risk. Puppy can, and should, have the opportunity to interact with other dogs, but pick dogs you know. Stable, friendly, HEALTHY dogs. And even there, sometimes we say hi & have a play with Fifi next door, other times (most times) we just nod & walk by.
Be sure not to pressure your pup. If they're hesitant, back up a bit, give them time to assess & process, and make sure to reassure them that they're safe. If they're still not comfortable, no prob, try again in a day or so - your pup will learn that you 'listen' - they can easily make an interaction stop, and this often gives them the confidence to try again. Pair new experiences with Great Things...QUALITY experiences over quantity.
Behaviour problems due to lack of socialization is the leading cause of death in dogs under 3, far outpacing death from disease, and it's a shame because it's infinitely preventable.
For more info, contact Chris at Different Breed Pet Services - 705-274-2282.
Positive reinforcement dog training, behaviour modification & management. Servicing Timmins, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and the surrounding area.
