Adult dogs that are comfortable around other canines and people have usually received proper socialization early in their life. It begins within the first few weeks following birth. If a puppy has positive experiences with others, he will typically develop into a healthy, friendly canine. You'll be able to place him within a variety of environments without worry regarding how he'll behave.
On the other hand, if a pup has been abused or has suffered negative experiences with others early in his life, he will likely display fear and distrust. This can have a major influence on his ability to remain comfortable around other dogs and people.
In this article, we'll explain how socialization begins with a puppy's exposure to his mother and littermates. We'll also describe how puppies learn to relate to the first people they meet, including their new owners.
Mother And Littermates
A puppy immediately learns to trust his mother. She provides warmth and protection. She gives him a feeling of security from the unknown and unexplored world that lies beyond his immediate environment. His mother is also the one who helps him learn how to breathe and eliminate. If his behavior becomes unacceptable, she provides loving but firm discipline.
His littermates provide an opportunity to interact with peers. He learns to play with them and test boundaries. This is the time during which he learns the value of relating to his own kind. Puppies who spend very little time with their littermates before being adopted often have trouble getting along with other canines in adulthood.
First Exposure To People
Professional breeders try to expose puppies to people within a few weeks of their birth. The earlier a puppy interacts with people, the more comfortable he will be around them throughout his life. Many breeders encourage kids to hold and pet the puppies in their care within the first week following their birth. As long as the interactions are supervised and children are taught to be delicate with the pups, this early exposure can prove invaluable.
Meeting Your Pup For The First Time
Most breeders prefer to keep puppies for seven weeks before allowing families to adopt them. During this period, the pups spend most of their time in the company of their mother. By the fourth week, they are spending an increasing amount of time away from their mother, and interacting with people. By the end of the seventh week, the pups are released to their new families.
When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to continue his socialization. During the first week away from his mother, avoid abandoning him for long periods of time. He will feel a sense of loss for his mother and littermates. Spend time with him to keep his attention occupied.
A lot of puppies go through a phase near their eighth week during which they suddenly display apprehension for anything that is unfamiliar to them. This lasts for a couple of weeks. It will pass.
Providing Ongoing Opportunities For Socialization
The first twelve months of a puppy's life are very impressionable. The experiences to which he is exposed will shape his behaviors for the rest of his life. It is critical that you take every opportunity to introduce your pup to new people and environments. Take him to a park where others bring their own pets. Take him on walks using different routes that expose him to a variety of other owners and their pets.
An ideal outlet for meeting others is within group obedience classes. This gives your puppy a chance to interact with his own species and other people in a friendly and controlled environment. He'll learn that those who are unfamiliar to him pose no threat.
A puppy who has received proper socialization early in his life typically develops into a friendly, happy, and well-adjusted adult dog. These are the qualities that make for a more pleasant canine companion.
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