socialisation - we hear it all too often!
Socialization. New puppy owners hear the word from trainers over and over again, as in "it's important to socialize your puppy." What is sometimes added, either implied or directly, is the warning "or else." But what does socialization really mean?
The Canadian Oxford Dictionary's definition of "socialize" is to "I. act in a sociable manner, or 2. prepare for life in society." To prepare for life in society is what most people think of when they hear about the importance of socialization; we help clients achieve that by training their dog to "act in a sociable manner."
But what does that really mean? It's often helpful to explain to clients what a sociable manner is not. It is NOT allowing their dog to:
- jump on another dog's head by way of greeting
- run up quickly, and directly in the face of, every dog they encounter invade personal space without first going through ritual introductions fail to observe boundaries, real or imagined, once they have been demonstrated.
- assume every dog they encounter wants to play.
Owners must teach their puppies that the above behaviours are not the appropriate way to interact with other dogs, are not welcome, and will be corrected in the language the dog has available to him – through growls, air snaps, nips, scruff shakes, and other, perfectly acceptable, dog communication tools.
So if we tell our clients that wild and uncontrollable behaviour is not considered a "sociable manner," then we can also define what socialization is not. Socialization is not: a wild free-for-all of dogs of all shapes, sizes and temperaments climbing, jumping and bouncing all over each other an unsupervised, uninterrupted occasion, left to the attitude of "the dogs will work it out themselves" a dog-human event: socialization cannot occur if an owner insists on constantly interrupting, removing their sweet puppy from any interaction that involves noise, teeth, or correction walking down the same streets, and going to the same dog park, to play with the same dogs, each and every day.
In the dog-human relationship, owners have accepted the responsibility of being their dog's leader. That title comes with all the duties being a leader requires: clients must show their dogs the proper way to play, and the appropriate way to say hello. If a client's dog is incapable of controlling himself, insisting instead on jumping on every dog in sight, then it is our job as trainers to ensure he is not rewarded with playtime or saying hello.
As a leader, owners must also walk the fine line of allowing their dogs to discover things for themselves. If a puppy, lost in the rambunctious world of play, smashes into an older dog who isn't interested in the game, then that puppy deserves to be corrected by the offended dog, often with a loud snarl and perhaps a show of teeth.Owners must learn that this is normal, and expected, and that it does nobody any good – not older dog, not puppy, and not their respective owners – for the puppy owner to swoop in, accusing the other owner of having a "vicious dog."
Owners must trust the process, and respect the integrity of their dogs,trainers must explain to owners the different things they can expect to see in the learning process, which can be helped along through proper socialization.
So what does proper socialization entail?
It is structured interaction that includes, but is certainly not limited to: Exposing a new puppy to as many sounds, sights, smells, people, animals and locations as possible, beginning as soon as the dog arrives in his new home.
Suggestions include taking their dog to the vet, to the park, to the pet store, to the school yard (when children are playing), on public transit, in the car, in an elevator, on an escalator, on busy streets, outside when the garbage truck goes by, near bicycles and skateboards, around people of all shapes, sizes, colours, ages, and abilities – the list goes on. The more new things a puppy sees in their early days, the easier it will be for them to adjust to new things as they age.
Attending local classes or playgroups for puppies, to allow dogs to play and learn with other puppies.
Gradually introducing puppies to adult dogs. You can bring your own adult dogs to your Puppy Play-date; this will allow the pups to interact with an adult, and will act as a living testimonial for the quality of your training.
Consistently changing the type and quality of social interaction. Be sure to offer structure in your Playdates; you can include lots of breaks, handling and allowing them to problem solve as they figure their way out.
There are many ways to socialize your dogs, and there is a training opportunity every time you see a young pup on the street. Your training should prepare a 5 to 10 minute explanation of what socialization is – as well as what it's not.
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