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Socialization means learning to be a part of society. When talking about the socialization of a puppy, or other pets, it means helping them learn to be comfortable as a pet within human society - including other dogs and pets. Socializing your puppy is the first step in raising a well-behaved dog. Without proper socialization, your puppy may become anxious, fearful and antisocial with people and other animals. During the first few weeks of their lives, puppies go through a critical period of development. When a puppy is exposed to new people, places, and situations in a positive way during this period of adjustment, there is a good chance he will be calm and accepting when he experiences them again later in life. With proper socialization, you can ensure that your puppy will become a happy, healthy, and well-behaved member of your family. Meeting New People When you first bring your puppy home, begin to introduce it gradually to people - invite your friends and family over to meet the puppy without bringing their animals with them. Be sure to go slowly and allow your dog time to get familiar with each person. Make variety part of the mix - people of all sizes, shapes, colors, with and without glasses, big hair and no hair, adults and kids, deep voices and soft voices, etc. The more variety your dog is exposed to, the more accepting it will be of new people. Dogs and cats are territorial animals. First, allow them to establish a sense of security in their new environment. During the introduction period, it is also an appropriate time to introduce your dog to a wide array of human sounds and movements. Let your dog see and approach people riding bikes, on rollerblades, jogging or doing other activities. Give your pet a chance to experience some sudden gestures to help reduce any stress in the future. Introduce your pet to people indoors, outdoors, in your home, in other people's homes and in other places. Limit exposure to other animals until tested for contagious or infectious diseases, including parasites. To prevent your dog from jumping up on people or becoming too overly excited, put your hand on your dog to keep it standing on all four legs. Don't allow your dog to form bad habits like getting up on its hind legs or jumping around new people. Teach basic commands like "sit" and "stay," with positive reinforcement. Let your dog get used to other people gently petting it. If your dog does behave badly around a new person, increase the distance to that person and make your dog look into your eyes for attention. This distracts the dog from the source of its behavior. Additionally, be sure to use verbal reward to reinforce good behavior while your dog learns to accept the presence and touch of other people. Interaction with Children and Infants Preschool-aged children can play an important role in a puppy's development and socialization, just as a puppy can do the same for the child. Always be sure that you or another adult is there to supervise every interaction between young children and your dog. Let the dog and child move close to each other slowly while talking gently to each, and let the dog sniff the child to familiarize them. Dogs can be wonderful comforters for infants, as well, but will benefit from some preparation and advance training before you bring a baby home. Introducing Your Puppy to Other Dogs If you are introducing a second dog to your household, you need to be careful not to show any preferences that might make your current pet jealous or anxious at the same time you create a bond with your new dog. The first impression between the two dogs is vital, so you will need to be prepared. To introduce your dogs, have them meet outside of your home or yard. Make sure both dogs are on leashes and then bring them towards each other while crouching next to them and speaking calmly to them both. It is important not to hold a puppy up to your current dog as this is frightening to the puppy and will not make a good first impression. Socialization is an important process by which your dog learns how to behave appropriately with others in its environment. Talk to your Oakland, NJ veterinarian today for more information on how to properly socialize your dog.
Oakland Animal Hospital, Oakland, Franklin Lakes and Wayne, NJ veterinarian, was founded in 1963 and is proud to have a committed staff that is pet lovers just like their clients. Since 1963 Oakland Animal Hospital has grown from a single veterinarian and small staff to three veterinarians, offering compassionate care and medical boarding in Oakland and Franklin Lakes.
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