02/06/2024
QUICK TIP: Socialization....what it is and is what it is not.
I often have people call me whose primary reason for enrolling their dog in training classes is "socialization."
This term, socialization, is probably not the best for what may be more appropriately termed, habituation. When trainers refer to socialization, we're usually referring to the critical or sensitive period in a young puppy's development between the ages of about 3 weeks and 3+ months.
This period of time is when young puppies experience rapid brain growth and are typically most open to new experiences. What people often think socialization entails is taking their dog or puppy to dog training classes or the dog park. (eeks!)
I think what people may envision is something like daycare for children. Dogs do not have the same social needs as children. When we speak of socialization for puppies, we're speaking of systematic, planned, and positive exposure to things and people in the puppy's environment that will introduce the puppy to a variety of experiences.
The purpose of early socialization is to build a puppy's confidence and prevent behavior problems based in fear in later life.
The early socialization process involves, as I said, careful, systematic and positive exposure to things - such as walking surfaces; rolling objects such as bikes, motorcycles, skateboards, baby strollers, cars; water; lots and lots of different kinds, shapes, ages, and sizes of people; other animals, such as those that might be seen in the countryside or a petstore, and of course careful exposure to other puppies and dogs; umbrellas; vacuum cleaners; and the list goes on.
Socialization is NOT solely about exposure to other dogs and puppies - that should occur primarily before the puppy leaves its litter - no earlier than 8-10 weeks! This early experience continues until the puppy is 3-4 months of age, and beyond, but the most impactful period is those early weeks with the puppy's litter and dam.
Socialization to humans should also start early in the weeks following birth. Puppies need to be gently handled and petted during this time and a procedure called Early Neurological Stimulation, developed by the U.S. Military has been shown to kick start neurological development that can make a difference in a puppy's later development and performance.
As those who know me personally and are in my classes know, I adopted a dog, Reese a couple of years ago now, with whom I am doing what I call "remedial socialization." I have firsthand experience that all is not lost if you adopt a dog who has not been properly socialized.
Training can be started at any age! I've trained puppies as young as 6 weeks and dogs as old as 13 years. But, socialization should be started pronto at the time you acquire a new puppy.
Well-structured off leash puppy classes, first pioneered by Dr. Ian Dunbar in the 1980's can be a useful component of this process, but they are by no means the whole process. Properly conducted off leash puppy classes can help puppies continue to learn how to interact with other puppies - of different breeds and play styles.
I screen all dogs who enroll in classes at Canine Connection LLC, and do allow timid dogs to participate. It works because of the type of training I do and the fact that I am sensitive to various behavior issues as a behavior consultant. The purpose of training in my classes with these dogs is to build the dogs' confidence. They are protected from fearful experiences. That's not the whole process, but a big part of it, depending on the dog's level of fear.
Now, as I've written countless times before, there are still, in 2024, veterinarians out there who still think dogs are pack animals and still say that puppies should not be socialized until they have had a full set of shots. Veterinary behaviorists disagree. They say puppies are at greater risk of euthanasia for behavior problems than they are of contracting an infectious disease like parvovirus.
Did I say you should throw caution to the wind? I did not. I am referring to the position statements by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and open letters of such world-renowned veterinary behaviorists as the late R.K. Anderson.
Puppies should have at least one set of shots before participating in an off leash puppy class or basic "obedience" class in a group setting. They should not be taken to places like dog parks (which I am not a fan of, even for fully vaccinated dogs) or places where they are likely to encounter the excrement of potentially unvaccinated or under-vaccinated other dogs and animals.
Additionally, visitors to the homes of young puppies should be directed to leave their shoes at the door when entering the puppy's home, and rooms where puppy classes are held should be sanitized between classes.
I will be offering more puppy classes soon. The cut-off age will be about 4 mos. Puppies older than this can join my basic training classes where the purpose is to teach owners how to train their dogs. The focus is not on socialization, although some socialization occurs as a result of just being in proximity of other dogs and people.
For more information, call Canine Connection LLC at 417-597-4295.
© 2024 Cindy Ludwig, MA, BS, RN, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Owner, Canine Connection LLC
Voted Best Springfield, MO Dog Trainer
