Dog Training: Teaching Proper Socialization Skills

By : Gladys Avery
Dogs, like humans, are highly socialize animals. They love being around people and always want to impress their owners. They are lovable and bring joy to their owners. However, these happy traits of dogs can only be achieved if they have undergone proper socialization training. Dogs that are not properly trained are more likely to become an owner's problem. They maybe dangerous and destructive to people, other dogs and properties. Therefore, proper socialization training is important to the happiness and safety of both owners and dogs.

As much as possible, socialization training should start while the dog is as young as puppies around 12 weeks old. In general, socialization training may be introduced right after house training. Remember, what you have taught your puppy will be difficult to change especially if he gets used to it and his behavior for the rest of his life will largely depend on the socialization skills he learned.

Properly socialized dogs are likely happy dogs. They are neither afraid nor aggressive to people and other animals. They welcome each experience and enjoy a joyful life together with their owner as well as other dogs. On the other hand, dogs that are not properly socialized tend to be aggressive and are always involve in dogfights as well as cause problems to their owners. They often bite because they are scared of humans. They are as well cannot adapt easily to new situations that may cause them stress and may result to various behavioral problem.

Like any other dog training, socialization training has also its do's and don'ts. This article will discuss first what to do followed but what to avoid in socialization training.

The first thing to keep in mind is to make every puppy's first experience pleasant and unthreatening. Take things slow when introducing your puppy to new experiences and socialization events.


Invite friends from all walks of life to meet your new puppy. It is important that your puppy is acquainted with all kinds of people with different backgrounds and personalities.

Invite as well healthy and well-socialized dogs and other animals to meet your puppy. And when you say healthy, meaning they have received all necessary vaccinations.

Expose your puppy to many new places such as parks and play grounds. Bring them to places where there are crowds of people.

Take your puppy out for a ride and let him enjoy the sceneries outside.

Introduce to your puppy different things that may be unfamiliar to him such as bags, boxes hats, etc. Let him explore these things and make him understand that he has nothing to fear about these items.

Make him use to a variety of objects by rearranging the object in different views.

Make him used to common grooming procedures such as brushing, bathing, etc.

Introduce to him the different parts of your house as well as the things around the house. Moreover, familiarize your puppy with collar and leash.



Of course, when there are things to be done there are also things to avoid in order for your dog to be properly socialize. These don'ts includes


When there are strange animals around, do not let your puppy on the ground. The strange animal might be curious with your puppy that may result to possible attack or surprise to your puppy. This could traumatize your puppy ad may mess up his socialization training.

Never rush the socialization process. Take things slowly and allow your puppy to socialize at its own speed.

Take a break during training. Your puppy has a short attention span. Therefore, adjust to it.

If you think your puppy is ready for socialization training, start it immediately. Never wait too long to begin the socialization process.

Avoid giving unintentional consent to fear based behavior like soothing your puppy when he feels afraid.




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