TRAINER TIPS Puppy Socialization: Puppies Their Early Months By David Michael Sanders
Illustrations Sean Hoy
Almost every veterinarian will tell you, “don’t take your dog outside until it’s had all its shots.” This is to keep them safe from dangerous bacteria and viruses such as Bordetella, Distemper and Parvo, which can be fatal. Here’s the other problem - this is when the puppy is learning what is safe or threatening and also when it needs to be socialized. By not socializing your dog during that critical initial four-month period, problematic behaviors can manifest themselves. More dogs are put down for behavior problems every year than because of all of those viruses combined. The most important time in a dog’s life is when its brain is developing. Exposure to the real world must happen in order for it to become a confident adult. In the beginning a puppy has no concept of fear, but a lot of curiosity, it would walk into fire or off a cliff. This is when they need to be exposed to loud noises, multiple people, animals, and environments in a positive way, as well as being handled with love and affection by multiple adults and children. Everything you would expect your dog to encounter in its life, you want to introduce before they reach approximately four months of age. Your goal is not to scare your puppy but to show it which things are not going to hurt them. If your puppy is showing fear or aggression without
can socialize with vaccinated dogs that are polite and social, but do not allow a dog with behavior problems to engage with your puppy. This means you have to know the dogs and people you are engaging with. lt can take only one terrifying experience to change your dog for the rest of its life. Not all socializing has to be done in public. There are desensitization recordings on YouTube of fireworks, thunderstorms, garbage trucks, doorbells etc. Start at a low volume and associate treats and play, then slowly and systematically increase the volume as the puppy is able ignore the sound and stay focused on the game. Leave a tv or some music on when you’re not home and follow a training program with a foundation of positive reinforcement and confidence building. Do not take your unvaccinated puppy to dog parks or places where there have been multiple unknown animals eliminating. There is always some risk with having your dog in public, vaccinated or not.
reason, consult a behaviorist with a background in animal science. It could be neurological, which is usually hereditary. So, there are various ways to socialize your puppy. Take your puppy out into the real world. Although there is always a risk with going outside, no matter who you are, I start after the second round of shots. Use a crate or stroller so the puppy is not on the ground and allow it to socialize in clean environments free of other animals’ waste. Puppies 26
The Phoenix Dog
January/February 2019
You can help your puppy begin its life in a safe and well-adjusted manner by understanding the critical window for early socialization, to making the most of it while keeping your pup healthy and safe! I recommend Dr. Sophia Yin has a checklist for puppy socialization on her website http://info.drsophiayin.com/puppy-socialization-checklist-0 David Michael Sanders is a CPDT-KA & Behavior Consultant and owns Zen K9 Obedience and Boarding. www.zenk9.org or 602.489.8942
