Puppy Socialisation Tips
06 Sep 2009
As mans best friend, we want our beloved hound to be well mannered in the mixed social situations he finds itself. This training needs to start while the hound is young. We want the fido not to be anxious or belligerent towards individuals or other animals. Pooch socialisation is a crucial part of dog care.
Studies at Veterinary Medicine College at Cornell showed that the first 12 weeks are key, and the easiest for socialisation. For many puppies this period is dealt with by the dog breeder. After that period it is still important, but takes more time and planning and effort. This is also the experience of professional dog sitters who are frequently asked for tips.
Puppies are so similar to us humans, if the first time is hurtful, we will keep away from or be nervous at similar occasions, so take things slowly and small. Do not force the puppy. Take no risks. Yound pups rapidly tire and need to rest often, so do new things for short periods and give plenty of rest in between.
So what approach should I take?
• Invite friends and family, small, grand, different looking, different sexes. Be cautious and vigilant with experiences with other children.
• Start him on a collar and then a leash. Just put the collar on, later attach the leash and let him wander around with it, then you can take him for a walk around the house. Carefully choose a lightweight buckle collar with a puppy.
• Visit your families and friend and families in their houses.
• Try and introduce diverse dogs, especially other friendly, vigorous and vaccinated fidos. Be prudent until the puppy is fully vaccinated, meeting dogs that you do not know.
• If you know anyone with puppy friendly cats, organise a visit?
• Meet other animals, do you have a friendly farm near you? Difficult in towns, but if you go away for the weekend.
• Life in a car is key. So take dog out for as many convenient short rides in the automobile. Park up and let him watch the world pass by, in the security of the car. This will introduce him to noisy. Introduce him to others such as drills.
• Lug or walk him to spots where there is local bustle such as shops and open spaces. Find a restaurant or coffee house where you can sit outside with your fido and watch the world go by. Loads of people will introduce themselves to him.
• Keep him close to activities in the home, paying attention to safety, vacuuming, preparing food and TV.
• Puppy grooming, quality time for the two of you, start a routine as soon as possible of brushing, bathing and inspection.
• Introduce the puppy to stairs carefully, if you are a typical town apartment owner, this may be more difficult.
Dog socialisation, start today and have a wonderful sociable puppy.
