12/10/2024
Great advice! Howie is an amazing trainer and worked with one of our Shepherds. Wanted to share this advice on socialization.
Dog Training Tip of the Day
Today, we are going to talk about socialization!
•What IS socialization?
•How do I correctly socialize my dog?
There are two commonly used definitions for socialization. One was created for people that can be applied to dogs, and the other was created specifically for our canine friends.
The definition of the one that was created for people, says that socialization is the continued exposure to such a variety of sensory stimulation & experiences, that there is no anti-social behavior whatsoever.
The definition of the one that was created for dogs, says that socialization is the process by which the dog comes to view the entire world as a friendly and accepting place.
Recent research shows that the first of 3 guidelines should be achieved by 12 weeks of age. However, that guideline had previously been 16 weeks. From personal experience, I can tell you that I've never met a dog who'd met these guidelines by 16 weeks, that had any further socialization issues. Therefore, this is the guideline I prefer.
That being said, there are 3 targets that should be met for every dog by 16 weeks of age. Today, I'll be sharing my knowledge and experience regarding the best ways to meet that first goal.
GOAL 1:
The first goal that should be met, states that every puppy should have the opportunity to meet, be physically handled by, and have a positive experience with 100 human beings. This includes every kind of human:
•regardless of skin color, height, weight, or age
•people who walk or are on a bicycle, as well as those with disabilities who may have a cane, crutches, wheelchair, or be missing a limb
•people who are wearing different types of clothing and accessories, and those covered in tattoos and/or piercings
•people who speak a variety of accents and/or languages
•people carrying things, such as an armful of packages or groceries.
•people with brightly colored hair
•Ideally, 30 out of the 100 are children!
••It's important to note that dogs are often triggered by particularly large men (either in height, girth, or both), as well as hats & sunglasses.
Remember, we are not looking for neutral experiences. We are looking to create positive experiences for our young dogs, in order to show them that the world is indeed a friendly and accepting place! Therefore, I recommend having each of these 100 people give your dog a small treat.
I'll be back tomorrow to talk about the next two goals of Socialization. In the mean time get your pups out of the house to meet some new people!