05.12.09
Tips on Socializing a Young Puppy
When you think of puppies, the first thing that comes to mind is an active, jumpy, playful little bundle of furry joy, right? Well, I hope that most of you find this in your puppies, but unfortunately, sometimes the opposite is true.
Puppy socialization is often started at 2-3 weeks, but a good breeder will start to handle the puppy and mold the puppy’s socializing abilities. It is very important that you start socializing your dog/puppy immediately when you bring them home, usually at 7-8 weeks of age. If you get an older puppy or even an adult dog, you may have a little more work cut out for you, but it can be so rewarding to see how your dog matures and develops into a truly enjoyable dog for you and your family.
When you go to pick out a puppy, there are many things to keep in mind. The most important of all is the reputation the breeder has for health, quality and socialization. It is very important that you check for references and ask around for information about recommended breeders. Their websites are helpful but even more so is hearing peoples opinions whom have actually brought home a puppy from the same breeder you are considering. I think by far, this is the most important step in your puppy purchase. It is also the step in which you have the most control over your outcome.
It is possible to continue a puppy on the correct track of socialization or even to guide him to ways that may help him become more socialized in the event this did not happen the way you had hoped. So let’s talk about a few of the most important steps to take when purchasing and bringing home a puppy.
1) Ask breeder for the contact information of numerous past puppy buyers. Do not be scared of calling or emailing them, as you will quickly learn that good breeders sell to people who are enthusiastic about their “babies” and those are the people who love to talk about their dogs. The breeder should not hesitate to give you a large handful of past puppy owners, as to not look like they are hiding something.
2) Visit the breeder if at all possible. If you can not visit, due to distance, ask the breeder as many questions about how the puppies have been socialized. Try not to ask yes/no questions only but ask questions that lead to more information on the rearing of the puppies. Here are just a few examples; where have the puppies been raised since they started moving around? How much time have they actually been handled by children? By men? How do they react when you bathe them? When you blow dry them? When you cut their nails, what is their response? How often do you do so? When you turn them on their back, what do they do? These are just a few questions that could give you a good idea of the time you may need to put in when you pick up where their socialization left off.
If you bring the puppy home and realize he/she is a little timid and flighty there are surely some ways you can help them come out of their shell.
1) Your first reaction may be to pick up a scared pup but this is not the best way to help them gain their confidence and actually adds to the likelihood that they will become more timid. It is one thing to get down on their level and let them know you love them and are gentle and careful with them, but do not pick up a cowering puppy and caudle it. You want them to gain confidence on their own 4 feet. They need to be comfortable in their own skin, as they are going to need to live in it for the rest of their lives :) Petting them while they are on the ground is greatly encouraging so do that instead when you have the urge to shelter them.
2) Gradually bring them around different noises, whether it be shuffling feet, blow-dryers in the next room, dropping a pair of shoes, doorbells, etc. The more confidence you show them when they show a little fear, the more they will learn that this noise is not a big deal to my owner, why should it be to me. When they learn that these things do not mean danger, incorporate new noises until they are more comfortable.
3) A very good step is to take them out and about with you, when they are age-appropriate and have completed or nearly completed their series of puppy shots. Home Depot and other hardwood stores are a great place for them to smell new scents, hear new noises and be greeted by new people of all ages. I am a big one for taking my young ones anywhere I go where they can walk around, gain knowledge and confidence and socialize with other people. Walks near the beach or on running trails work great too.
4) Search for people in your city who hold puppy play dates. Some training facilities or doggy day care centers are eager to pass on information to you about people who hold play dates. You can start up your own or you can search online for one. One great site is www.puppymeetup.com but there are so many more I have used. Look into it. It is also a great way for you to make new friends who share the best common interest, in my honest opinion… Dogs!
I hope this helps. Feel free to email me at Virginia@sandstonedachshunds.com and I would be more than happy to further discuss this article with you. There is nothing like a well socialized dog. I think you will soon learn than any hard work you put into doing so with pay off ten-fold. Good Luck!
~Virginia
sandstonedachshunds.com
