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I decided to make this thread for a few reasons mostly due to there being quite a few questions it seems lately with getting new pups and socializing them, what it is etc. Before i begin i just want to express that mods can feel free to move this to another section or VIP if needed as it seems my threads tend to attract many people, this can be both positive or negative. I will also point out that these are strictly my views on socializing, if you choose to disagree and post at least keep it constructive so anyone here that may have questions may view this keeping it educational vs. anything else.
I've noticed both that on this forum as well as people i cross on a day to day basis that have puppies or young adults have questions about socializing and the best methods of going about it. One of the most popular misconceptions (at least IMO) with socializing is play dates. (i will leave dog parks out of this)
What is Socialization?
The name says it all, socializing. A well socialized dog will remain confident and calm in new surroundings and situations, not just those that are the "norm". Socializing a puppy is probably quite obvious as to how to go about doing this but in short you want to introduce new sights, smells and environments at a young age. (generally i will start around 2 - 2.5 months) Introducing to new people, sniff and greet other dogs and animals that may be in contact with on a mostly day to day basis (cats, guinea pigs, etc) so on so forth. One thing to keep in mind is to remain confident and positive, just as with training a negative experience will more than likely cause a step back or even shut down when it comes to socializing.
Play Dates; Part of Socializing?
This is the part i know i have disagreed with people over the years however of all the years i've owned dogs, i've always had stable, self confident dogs. Playing with other dogs can help and can prove to be beneficial however it isn't necessary. When it comes to socializing and your dog i operate under the "sniff, greet and leave". A dog playing with other dogs is just that, cut and dry, black and white. I have seen and encountered over the years plenty of dogs that are excellent with playing (with dogs) though lack other essentials and break down in certain situations. Like wise, of course if you don't let your puppy in some form or another meet and smell other puppies or dogs the likely hood of setting your pup up for failure later in dog-situations will be higher. By simply greeting and smelling new dogs you are giving your dog what it needs.
Working breeds
While this is more or less a continual of the play dates all dogs need to be socialized, there is no exceptions. One thing i have found that you need to ask yourself before getting a puppy is, whats your reasoning behind the dog? If you plan on using them for work (i.e protection, hunting, etc) this also further goes into how much interaction your pup is allowed with others, how much is too much? When allowing a dog to constantly be around others (dogs) the dependency on you tends to drop and that dependency on dog company tends to rise. If you are looking for a protection dog or a hunter (especially not using in packs) my post may give you something to think about to go about the vital stages of a puppies life.
In the end im not saying allowing dogs to play with others is wrong, you shouldn't do it etc. Its your dog and your choice and there are exceptions for everything. If this helps anyone to any degree than thats what i was looking to accomplish.
I've noticed both that on this forum as well as people i cross on a day to day basis that have puppies or young adults have questions about socializing and the best methods of going about it. One of the most popular misconceptions (at least IMO) with socializing is play dates. (i will leave dog parks out of this)
What is Socialization?
The name says it all, socializing. A well socialized dog will remain confident and calm in new surroundings and situations, not just those that are the "norm". Socializing a puppy is probably quite obvious as to how to go about doing this but in short you want to introduce new sights, smells and environments at a young age. (generally i will start around 2 - 2.5 months) Introducing to new people, sniff and greet other dogs and animals that may be in contact with on a mostly day to day basis (cats, guinea pigs, etc) so on so forth. One thing to keep in mind is to remain confident and positive, just as with training a negative experience will more than likely cause a step back or even shut down when it comes to socializing.
Play Dates; Part of Socializing?
This is the part i know i have disagreed with people over the years however of all the years i've owned dogs, i've always had stable, self confident dogs. Playing with other dogs can help and can prove to be beneficial however it isn't necessary. When it comes to socializing and your dog i operate under the "sniff, greet and leave". A dog playing with other dogs is just that, cut and dry, black and white. I have seen and encountered over the years plenty of dogs that are excellent with playing (with dogs) though lack other essentials and break down in certain situations. Like wise, of course if you don't let your puppy in some form or another meet and smell other puppies or dogs the likely hood of setting your pup up for failure later in dog-situations will be higher. By simply greeting and smelling new dogs you are giving your dog what it needs.
Working breeds
While this is more or less a continual of the play dates all dogs need to be socialized, there is no exceptions. One thing i have found that you need to ask yourself before getting a puppy is, whats your reasoning behind the dog? If you plan on using them for work (i.e protection, hunting, etc) this also further goes into how much interaction your pup is allowed with others, how much is too much? When allowing a dog to constantly be around others (dogs) the dependency on you tends to drop and that dependency on dog company tends to rise. If you are looking for a protection dog or a hunter (especially not using in packs) my post may give you something to think about to go about the vital stages of a puppies life.
In the end im not saying allowing dogs to play with others is wrong, you shouldn't do it etc. Its your dog and your choice and there are exceptions for everything. If this helps anyone to any degree than thats what i was looking to accomplish.