27/09/2024
Let’s talk about an extremely important subject - 🐶 Puppy Socialization 🐶
The problem - ‘My puppy isn’t vaccinated, I can’t socialise it yet’.
This is a HUGE misconception - I will start by saying socialisation is just as important as vaccination, and if not done correctly, there’s a very high chance you will have a problem pup into teens and beyond.
FACT: in 2022-2023 euthanasia statistics for RSPCA Australia show that 1906 dogs were euthanised for behavioural issues compared to 842 for medical issues.
This is massive and scary! And shows the importance of socialisation at a young age. (Unfortunately I have seen the results of improper socialisation first hand).
The Puppy Socialization Period (4 to 16 weeks) is the most critical period for influencing a dog’s temperament, character, behavior and avoiding problems. Preventing potential problems is far more effective than trying to correct issues when the dog is older. Problems and undesirable behaviors resulting from the lack of proper puppy socialization can be anything from inappropriate barking, chewing, separation anxiety and aggression to general reactivity. Improper or misguided efforts to socialize a puppy can result in a host of fears, predictable and unpredictable. Proper socialization will also greatly increase a dog’s reliability making it easier to handle, train and examine while greatly reducing the risk of a dog biting. (Pet Proffesional Guild Australia).
So what can you do to help….
* Make sure your puppy receives vaccinations on time and start socialisation once your puppy has had its first vaccine.
* Attend a puppy class that uses positive reinforcement methods run by an experienced and accredited trainer.
* Don’t assume socialisation is taking your dog to the dog park or forcing it into situations that it’s fearful of. Socialisation should be done with positive reinforcement at a rate your dog is comfortable with and is not just socialising with other dogs and puppies. I will not reccomend dog parks to any client (but that’s for another post 🫣)
* Learn dog body language to communicate with you dog so that you can understand whether they feel comfortable or not - this is a journey for you as much as them.
* Arrange a ‘happy visit’ with your local vet so that your puppy can gain a positive association to the vet clinic. (Top tip for Springfield locals, myvet Springfield Lakes are great and also have a friendly cat you can socialise with). MyVet Springfield Lakes
* Take your puppy to friends houses who have well socialised fully vaccinated dogs of all ages and size or who have other animals, children, household items, noises, surfaces and smells.
* Take your dog on a car ride, think dinner drive through, school drop offs, vet happy visits.
* Take your dog to Bunnings and pick them up or put them in the trolley.
* Remember to reward your dog with treats or praise for behaviours you want to see more of such as calm behaviours or confident exploring. You can mark these behaviours with a ‘yes’ and give a treat.
There are many other options available to you to socialise your puppy without high risk.
Please ask me for a socialisation check list today or a puppy consult if you need help socialising your puppy.
