Puppy Socialisation can be carried out in the normal everyday environment. The critical period
(3-12 weeks) is a time when puppies can take information in very easily
BUT if socialisation ceases after this period then most of what has been
gained is very easily lost. It is most important that this vital conditioning
takes place well into adulthood.
It is vital to ensure that
your puppy is a happy traveler either in the car, train or bus.
A puppy will need to be under control and calm in the presence of all
manner of
people, children, other dogs and animals. An sensible owner will
also train a pet dog to be steady to stock (farm animals) and loud
noises (fireworks,
guns, church bells, tractors, vacuum cleaners, washing machines;
the list is endless.
A puppy will need to experience
a wide variety of different sights, sounds and places to prepare
him or her for life in a human environment. This must be done gradually
and carefully
as puppies may develop fear and flight responses during the first
year of their lives.
It is important to socialise
puppies from eight weeks, but vaccination programs dictate
that they are kept away from the outside world just at this vital
stage in their lives.
We can make up for this by carrying the puppy and showing
him different sights and sounds or taking him in the car to visit a
variety
of places
and people. Condition your puppy to car travel by taking plenty
of
short,
frequent journeys. You can also feed your puppy in the car
with the engine running to build up a happy association.
Socialisation,
environmental conditioning and general companion obedience training
should be continued
well into the first year to eighteen months. Training
and teaching can, of course, be carried out at all stages of a dog's
life. Dogs are never too young or too old to learn. Training increases
a
dog's
ability to learn, increases the bond between owner and dog, and of
course provides entertainment and enjoyment for both dog and owner. Training
the
companion dog also provides an outlet for the natural working abilities,
which all dogs have and helps prevent many behavioral problems.
It
increases
owner control and conditions your dog to become compliant.
Early training
also means preventative training. Owners who begin training at
six months
or later face an uphill climb as they struggle to eradicate habits,
which have become instilled during that period. "Training" in this context means teaching your dog to live in harmony within a human environment using play and any other reward based methods. In addition teaching games and tricks further enhances the dog and owner relationship.
Familiarise your puppy with many novel experiences and environments, being careful not too over tire them. Contact with children is good, but children should be taught that puppies aren't teddy bears!
Teach chilcren not to constantly stroke and pet a new puppy - puppies need lots of rest too, and a place to sleep, such as a crate, where he or she will be undisturbed.
