TeMar
German
Shepherd Dogs
SOCIALIZING YOUR PUPPY
Many
times I've heard a prospective dog owner say, "I want
the same breed as my friend’s dog. It has a marvelous temperament
and does all kinds of tricks." Or, "I'm going to get an
"all-American mutt". They're better dogs."
Even
with a promising genetic potential or the characteristics that fit
your profile of the ideal puppy, the kind of dog your puppy becomes
will largely be determined by how you socialize it. The experiences
a puppy encounters in its new environment are key factors in shaping
its personality and temperament as an adult.
A
puppy's socialization begins with its mother and littermates and continues
as it is placed in a new home and, to the puppy, a strange environment.
Behavioral studies show that a key period of socialization for puppies
to humans is from six to eight weeks. This is the time when the mother
usually weans her puppies. The puppy's nervous system is reaching
the structural and functional capacities of an adult dog. Eight weeks
is also the time a puppy is normally placed in its new home. It's
ready to learn and intensive socialization should begin.
Socializing
your puppy means providing quality time. Give it lots of attention
and affection. Pet it and call it by its chosen name. Introduce it
to your neighbors and service people such as the mail carrier and
others who come to your home regularly. Show children how to hold
and pet it. Socializing your puppy to other dogs is important, but
this does not mean letting it run free in the neighborhood. Give it
the opportunity for safe, controlled interaction with dogs whose owners
you know and be sure the dogs are immunized.
As
your puppy explores its new environment, it may inadvertently damage
some items by chewing. This is part of its exploration. If your puppy
damages something or has an accident, do not punish it or speak harshly
to it unless you catch it in the act. Even then, punishment should
be administered carefully. The only thing a puppy learns from harsh
or untimely punishment is to fear you. Begin to introduce it to basic
commands, "come," "sit," and "stay."
Praise it for positive responses.
In
socializing your puppy, remember that the "pack instinct"
every dog inherits must be controlled. Your puppy will test you and
other family members by attempting to establish dominance as leader
of the pack. All family members should cooperate in establishing and
enforcing a code of conduct for your puppy. To help it understand
that it must obey the rules of the house, be consistent in reprimanding
and in praising it. Eye contact and a firm "no" usually
deter an undesirable activity.
Utilize
every opportunity to socialize your puppy. Make feeding time a happy
experience by praising your puppy for being a "good dog"
as you place its dish on the floor. Considerable puppy-owner bonding
can occur through positive feeding experiences.
Feeding
can also aid in training your puppy. As you place its food dish on
the floor, give the command, "Come," preceded by the name
you have chosen for it. This introduces your puppy to an obedience
command and helps teach it to respond to its name.
As
your puppy settles into its new home, it may encounter new situations,
which will be potentially stressful to it. Helping your puppy adjust
to these situations minimizes future behavior problems. You may find
that your puppy is frightened by loud noises. During a thunderstorm,
fireworks or when appliances are operating, such as the dishwasher
or vacuum sweeper, play with your puppy as you normally do or pet
and reassure it that the noises are simply "business as usual."
Reward it with a dog snack for being calm during the noise.
Gradually
accustom your puppy to being left alone. Begin with brief periods
of separation and gradually increase the time. When unattended, leave
your puppy in its crate or in an area where it cannot do any damage.
Give it a favorite chew bone and/or a favorite toy to help prevent
boredom.
As
you socialize and train your puppy, remember that puppies are eager
to please. Reward your puppy for good behavior by praising it. A little
praise goes a long way in helping your puppy become an endearing companion.
What
is the potential for socializing dogs that have had minimum exposure
to people and other dogs during their first three months? The chances
of turning such a dog into a family pet depend upon the amount of
time the owner is committed to spending with the dog. Considerable
time and patience are musts. It can be done, but it is not an easy
task.
A
Closing thought
Consistency
among all family members in introducing a puppy or an older dog to
social skills is essential. In addition to consistency, please remember
the three P's: patience, persistence and praise.