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Socialization of a dog – what is it and what do you need to be aware of?

Socialization of a dog is a proces where we introduce the environment to our dog and slowly start adjusting the dog to “our world”. The process of socialization should start immediately after we accept a new familly member (a dog) in the house. The socialization of a dog should be done properly, which means, that dog needs to get as many pleasant experiences as possible in different sittuations, on different places, at different times, under different conditions, with different people and other animals. It is a really important part of raising of our dog.

Succesfull socialization of a dog is the basic element in dog’s raising procedure. With propper and correct process, our dog will stay calm in different sittuations of his life, because he will learn how to handle them without stress. During the proces it is also very important, that we establish strong and trustfull connection among ourself and a dog. This way dog will trust us and will get good opportunity to grow in to calm and confident dog.

Unsocialized dogs can feel fear, anxienty or agression, when they grow. It can easily lead them in to behavioral dissorder, when they grow up. It can be treated later, but costs a lot more effort and time, as when we put him through the socialization process on time.

Socialization consists of different sittuations. To name only few of them:

• Introducing the dog to unknow people and animals
• Visiting different locations ( restaurant, car, vet, shop, dog’s park, market place,…)
• Exposing to different smells, sounds, lights, sights (thunders and lightnings,horns, trucks,…)
• Walking on different materials (glass, plastic bottles, tiles, sand, escalaitors, wood,…)
• Swimming
• Being alone
• and many more…

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT, THAT SOCIALIZATION PROCESS IS DONE STEP BY STEP AND IS KEPT SLOW AND GENTLE. Start with small and light effects. Increase it only, when your dog completely accepts the previous level.

When can we start with the socialization process?

The breeder should already start with basic training, when puppy is 3 weeks old. The main and most important socialization period is when pups are between 8 weeks and 4 months old (ussually they enter our lives at the age of 8 weeks, if we decide for a puppy). This is the period, when pups are not so easily scared and cautious yet. It means that it is the most suitable period for exploring something new and same time getting pleasant experiences. Help them exploring, but not too much…

Socialization process takes a lot of effort for us, but it is very important “investment”. It also requires certain ammount of understanding of a dog’s behaviour. Soon you will find details about how to propperly socialise your dog in my new book, or as video tutorials. Both of them you can find in our shop. Click here to check, what we have to offer you. It is important opportunity for you and your dog, do not miss it.