Dog socialisation – what does this mean?
When asked the most common answer, unfortunately, is meeting other dogs and playing. This is not what socialisation is.
A dictionary definition is “the process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society”.
The question is “how do we want our dogs to behave in society?”
We want calm, non-reactive dogs that can walk down the street without being fearful or reactive towards environments, noises, people and dogs.
There is a time to play with other pups/dogs but we need the bond to be strong between owner and pup.
At seven-12 weeks the pup’s brain has adult brain waves so it is the time to teach right behaviours sit, wait, come, drop and build the human and dog bond, not the time for the pup to learn crazy behaviours.
Socialisation means meeting different people, with/without beards, sunglasses, hats, different skin tones, hair styles, ages etc, experiencing different surfaces/environments, hearing noises – vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, cars, trains, motor bikes, whistles, thunder, seeing kids running, wheelchairs, wheelie walkers and walking sticks, flapping washing/tarps, seeing other dogs and not reacting to them.
All without scaring them or forcing them. How about a friendly visit to the vet before any treatments are needed, pop in with your pup, do a weigh-in with the permission of the staff, making sure your pup is safe, may need to be carried and perhaps put on the scales depending on vaccination status.
It is important to remember the health of your pup during socialisation.
Dogs during their lifetime experience different socialisation/development periods which a new owner should be aware of.
Happy socialising from Bairnsdale and District Dog Obedience Club Inc.
