06/05/2024
This page has a lot of very useful information and I have to share this write up on puppy socialisation…..great timing thank you TATE Animal Training Enterprises ⭐️🌿
What does the word ‘SOCIALISATION’ mean when it comes to socialising a puppy?
When you receive a new pup, there is a huge emphasis on the word ‘socialise’. Very commonly people consider this to mean just get out there and meet as many dogs as possible and join puppy school so your puppy gets a good dose of socialisation with other puppies. This will ensure they grow up to love all dogs and be super friendly.
It’s not quite as straightforward as that. For starters, socialisation refers to all living things. Other pets, farm animals, wildlife and then people of all shapes, ages, races, presenting in different ways too! (Hats, trench coats, glasses, holding umbrellas, riding on scooters, in prams or wheelchairs.) Yes, and of course, this involves socialisation with other dogs too. HOWEVER, all social experiences, whether it be with a pigeon or a puppy, should be short and sweet, resulting in a PLEASANT or NEUTRAL experience.
An over socialised puppy with other dogs can develop into a socially incompetent adult dog. For example, a dog that pulls on lead, barks, or lunges towards any other dog in sight. A dog that will race up to dogs at a dog park possibly intimidating the other dog that wasn’t quite ready for their arrival and a dog that struggles to respond to basic behaviours in the presence of other dogs.
The reality is, most dogs don’t NEED or WANT to socialise with unknown dogs. The idea of a utopian dog park with pooches making instant friends of all shapes and sizes is fundamentally flawed.
