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Puppy Socialization

Socialization means being exposed to a variety of people and situations, to become accustomed to them. For young puppies, between four and 12 weeks is a critical stage for socialization, and is a period when they quickly absorb new information. Puppies that are not sufficiently socialized during this time are very likely to grow up fearful and unsure of themselves, people, and their environment. Since fear is often at the root of aggressive behavior such as fear biting, proper puppy socialization is even more important.

How to properly socialize your puppy: You want to slowly introduce your puppy to noises, people and places, and make the experiences enjoyable. It doesn't do any good to expose your puppy to, say, a room full of very loud children who pull on the puppies ears - that's terrifying, not socializing! As you expose your puppy to noises, places and people, praise or reward the puppy for any appropriately friendly response. If your puppy responds fearfully to anything new, remove your puppy from the cause but avoid 'reassuring' him or her, which is actually praising the puppy for acting scared.

Keep in mind that puppies must be kept safely away from areas where un-vaccinated dogs may have been, until their last series of puppy vaccinations are effective. Typically this is around four months, but verify with your vet for your puppy. No parks, walks or contact with the ground outside your yard and house or your friend's until that time. Puppy socialization will help you end up with a happier, better pet for everyone.

Noises: If your puppy lives in a quiet room, set up a tape player to play normal household noises: doorbells ringing, vacuum cleaners running, doors slamming, toilets flushing, music playing. Start out at a low volume and over time raise it to a real-life level. Bring the puppies to different rooms so they can hear the noises and acoustics of various spaces. Take them for a pleasure ride in the car to expose them to outdoor sights, sounds and smells. Further widen their horizons by taking them for an outdoor walk in your arms one at a time if weather permits.

Places: take car rides (using a crate is best), visit friends, pet supply stores, and, once vaccinated, parks, beaches, dog parks, the vet's waiting room, everywhere and anywhere dogs are allowed.

People: aim to introduce your puppy to at least one new person a day for the first few weeks. A store clerk, the mailman, your neighbors, your neighbors kids, friends, family, strangers walking down the street. Encourage petting, and as with noises and places, praise or reward the puppy for any appropriately friendly response.

Other animals: if you want a dog that is friendly towards other animals, such as dogs and cats, and you don't have any of your own, you'll need to find a way to regularly expose your puppy to them. Training class is a great place to start for other dogs, especially classes just for puppies. Cats that live with dogs already can 'train' a puppy usually within a swat or two to keep their nose and teeth to themselves!

If you have questions about puppy socialization, you can always call and speak to one of our adoption counselors or your pet's trainer or behaviorist.

If you find this program helpful, please make a donation to the Pasadena Humane Society. You can donate online or mail a check made out to PHS to:

BEST Training
Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA
361 S. Raymond Ave
Pasadena, CA 91105