Socialization: Raising a people-friendly dog

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There's a short developmental window in every dog's life when he's extremely sensitive to his environment. The number of positive encounters he has with other people and dogs during this period, which ranges from just a few weeks old to three or four months of age, can dramatically influence how friendly he is as an adult.

So if you're getting a puppy, look for one who's been raised around people. Once you get your pup or dog, regardless the age, introduce him to lots of different people.

Note: Owners of young pups are in a bit of a catch-22. During that developmental window when you should be introducing your puppy to all sorts of people, he's too young to walk around in public places, since he's still vulnerable to catching dog diseases. The solution: bring the people to him, and throw lots of puppy parties.

How to host a puppy party

Invite all types of people, starting with mellow ones who know how to behave around dogs. Make sure to include men and kids on the guest list -- two types of people that often scare dogs who aren't used to them. (This is important even if you don't have kids. Sooner or later your pup is going to encounter children, and you want to make sure he knows how to act. Most dog bite victims are children.)

Mix up the guest list often. Inviting over the same group of friends week after week won't do it; if your puppy's going to learn how to behave around strangers, he needs to meet unfamiliar people. So use this as an excuse to give your social life a boost: invite friends, relatives, neighbors, and coworkers.

Make it a learning experience for your pup by having guests -- including the kids -- hand-feed him, practice some basic commands, and give him lots of pets and cuddles to get him used to being handled (future vets and groomers will thank you). If your guests reward him with a treat or [Continued]

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Young puppies are vulnerable to catching infectious dog diseases until their immunizations fully kick in -- usually sometime around 5 months (check with your vet to get the exact timing for your pup). So ask your puppy party guests to leave their shoes outside and wash their hands before handling him.

Comments

“I've rescued a very smart, energetic bitch with a strong personality. She does very well with strangers and kids, but doesn't always get along with other strange dogs. Her hackles go up and occasionally growls. Her background was very isolated and now at 2 years old I'm struggling to bring her to the dog park to help with socializing. I've suggested other dogs to come over which has helped. What else can we do?” — runners88, May 04 2008

“Paws06 - I would definitely cont. going to the dog park. Your dog is still young and in time she should become more confident. My dog was once pretty shy, but now I can't keep him away from other dogs. Just make sure the other dogs in the park are behaving themselves around her and eventually she will be fine. I also found that doing agility has really improved my dogs confidence as well. Good luck!” — Toby4Life, Apr 29 2008

“Two months ago my husband & I rescued a Wheaten Terrier. The puppy is now 10 months old; was 8 when we got her, but she hadn't been socialized with people and too many other dogs when she was young. She is very attached to me, but is pretty frightened of people. Even my husband has had a challenge getting her to not run away and be comfortable with him in the house. I've been bringing her to the dog park. She does move around amongst the dogs but very passive; tail down and will not play. The only time she will play is with me or sometimes with the two indoor cats we have. Should I continue to take her to the park; when dogs are not socialized early on, do they ever overcome the shyness? Should I be doing something else? I have taught her to walk on a leash, sit, etc. I'm consistent in her training, but I feel like there may be more I should be doing. She has made progress, but has a long way to go.
Any suggestions?” — paws06, Apr 28 2008

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Socialization: Raising a people-friendly dog

How to host a puppy party

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