Read About Socializing your Small Pet

Socializing your small pet is an important beginning to your pet's life with you. The first few months of your small pet's life are the most critical in his social development, so it is best to begin socializing your small pet as soon as you bring him home. If you do not teach your pet about the things, animals, and people that he is likely to encounter during the course of his life, then he will very likely develop an unnatural fear, or even anxiety issues. If you take the time early in your pet's life to teach him, you will be well rewarded by having a happy and well-adjusted pet.

The best way to begin socializing your small pet is by having one-on-one interactions with him. Do this frequently, and allow him the opportunity to become adjusted to you before you begin introducing outside factors into his life. Once your pet has become comfortable and at ease with you, you can advance in socializing your small pet by introducing other people to him. After that, try exposing him to somewhat noisier environments, such as a small park. You might even want to take him to friends or relatives' homes to gradually get him used to the sounds of multiple people and activities. To encourage your pet to interact in a positive manner with other people and animals, try rewarding him with a small treat for his good behavior. Keep in mind, however, that socializing your small pet to outside factors should only take place after he has been properly vaccinated and declared in good health by your veterinarian.

To ensure that your small pet becomes properly socialized, it is important that you make sure that he is exposed to all types of people. Do not simply limit him to all young children, or all older people. If your pet does not have the opportunity to acclimate himself to persons of every age and type, then he will be more likely to experience fear or wariness when first encountered by someone who is different. To assist in socializing your small pet to other animals, you may want to consider taking him to some type of training or obedience class where he will be exposed to other animals that are similar to himself. This can be a great tool in helping your pet to adjust. As a note of caution, please be certain that the training class you choose does not advocate any type of punishment in their pet training, as these types of behaviors can only have a negative effect on your pet.

Socializing your small pet can be fun and rewarding for you, as well as your pet, if approached in the proper manner.