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Socialization
In addition to basic obedience training, your puppy needs socialization.
Exposure to a variety of people, places and things during the first year helps prevents fearful, anxious
or aggressive reactions to strangers and new situations later on. Introduce
your puppy to the outside world slowly. People come in a variety of size,
shapes and colors. Try to take your puppy to meet children of all sizes, people riding bikes,
men with beards, women wearing hats and people playing games.
Go to a variety of places so your puppy can experience many
different sights and sounds.
Puppies experience several fear imprint periods. A frightening
experience may result in long term problems such as shyness and
aggression. Lack of socialization or a bad experience during a fear
imprint period contribute to these problems. Seek the help of canine specialists such as breeders, obedience
instructors, dog behaviorists, and veterinarians if you need help.
- Keep in mind that little puppies are not protected against canine
diseases. Avoid exposure to dogs that may not be immunized until your
puppy has been vaccinated.
- Puppy kindergarten provides some of both obedience lessons and social
interaction. The puppy has the opportunity
to interact with other dogs as well as the dog owners. (Most
obedience instructors require vaccinations before your puppy can attended
classes.)
- Frequent short outings are better than occasional long ones. Your
puppy needs a lot of naps.
- Talk to your puppy with an upbeat, happy tone of voice.
The puppy
will follow your lead, so let your puppy know that you are having fun.
- Start with brief, low-stress outings to the homes of friends and
relatives. At first, avoid big crowds and loud noises that might
frighten a young puppy.
- Next, visit shopping centers, residential neighborhoods, and recreational areas with your puppy.
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