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Socializing Your Dog

ImageSocializing your dog is a great way to introduce your pet to all the world has to offer. Here's everything you need to know about this kind of training.

Equipping your dog with skills to cope with new and strange situations will save the dog from becoming scared or aggressive every time he or she encounters an unfamiliar person, animal, or situation.

When To Begin The Socialization Process

The process of Socializing Your Dog should begin soon after birth; most studies suggest somewhere between four weeks and four and a half months as the optimal age to begin socialization.

The level of fear-avoidance in puppies is much lower than in full-grown dogs, making it easier to introduce them to new things. Acclimating a puppy to the people, animals, and environments they will continue to encounter on a daily basis saves the dog from becoming easily scared or aggressive when coming across the unfamiliar. In the same way, a puppy is just as impressionable in frightening or abusive situations as a youngster. Make sure to show a particularly high amount of nurturing for a young dog.

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What To Remember When Socializing Your Dog

  • Closely monitor and control every new encounter, as your dog will likely act inappropriately at times during the initial phases. Keeping within close proximity of the dog also allows your pet a sense of security when being introduced to new things.

  • Be committed to the socialization process. Expose your dog to new people on a daily basis.

  • Vary the type of surfaces you walk your dog on. Perhaps one day you will go for a walk in the woods and the next day you will walk through a suburban neighborhood.

  • Help your dog become accustomed to frequent handling by allowing strangers to pet him or her.

  • Vary your walking routes to allow your dog the chance to come upon unfamiliar situations.

  • Bring your dog on regular car rides where he or she will see new things while remaining contained and thus forced to deal with his or her fear or curiosity from afar.

  • Give frequent rewards in the form of treats when your dog reacts appropriately to a new circumstance.

    Exposing a puppy to new people and situations will save the headache of dealing with a full-grown dog who is constantly spooked by the sound of the garage door opening or aggressive at the sight of the next door neighbor pulling into his driveway. Properly socializing your dog will instill a sense of security and confidence in you and your dog, as well as preparing you both for the many situations you will encounter out in the big bad world.

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