BY FRAN JEWELL
In this new world of COVID and dangers to us, many puppies are not getting the socialization they need to grow up with healthy social skills. I am also finding that, more and more, people are not taking their puppies out or beginning training before they get their last puppy shots at 16 weeks!
Up to 16 weeks is an incredible and critical imprinting period. Training and socialization must take place before that or we spend almost three times as much energy trying to stop unwanted behaviors that could have been prevented in the first place.
Just as important is the vision many people have about what socialization is. It is NOT having dogs together in a free-for-all until all the puppies are exhausted. Socialization means teaching your puppy to be respectful of other dogs and how to build TRUST. Just like people, we don’t tell the gas station attendant about our intimate health history. We choose people that we get along with, we show respect and ask for respect before we share exactly who we are. Puppies and dogs are much the same way. Some breeds are even less likely to trust one dog as quickly as another and we must respect that.
To properly and safely instruct your puppy in socialization before that 16-week period is up, there are several things you can and SHOULD do.
Have a safe, enclosed area such as a fenced-in backyard where there is little chance of there being Parvo or other diseases. This can be your yard or that of a friend.
Find older dogs or even puppies that are kind—that DO have good social skills. Some older dogs do not like puppies. That is NOT the older dog to expose your puppy to. Have only one dog at a time with your puppy so no one is over-aroused or overwhelmed.
Each dog should initially be on a leash with their owner and able to sit and focus on their owner (good pre-training and skill-building is recommended).
Each dog should sit with their owner until the arousal is settled. When both dogs are quiet and comfortable and taking treats, then let them interact with the leash still on. You do not have to be holding it.
As they interact, watch each dog, giving lots of verbal positive reinforcement for kind behavior.
Walking about the yard is also a wonderful practice. Puppies will want to follow you, which will help ease the “pressure” of the social event.
Letting the leash drag is a very good way to let your puppy know that you have his back and will keep him safe.
Another great activity for pre-16-week puppies is a walk in an area NOT frequented by other dogs, which can spread disease your puppy has not yet been vaccinated for. Walking together with another puppy or dog on a leash can help your puppy to feel safe and help you to keep control of the situation so the puppy does not run off.
Socialization can be done in a safe manner while paying attention to possible disease and other aggressive dogs. A few basic obedience skills, such as “sit” and “watch,” can help move the process along very successfully. It also makes your puppy healthy while keeping you safe, too.