10 Tips For Ongoing Socialization

Topic: Socialization

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When most people first get a puppy they are told by the breeder, by the seller or even by the shelter that they need to make sure that they spend routine time in socialization. Socialization is basically the process to ensure that puppies and dogs are exposed to a variety of situations, places, people and animals that will lead to the dog being more accepting of these new things in their life. Most owners of puppies are very good about socialization; they take their new puppy to obedience classes, take them for walks in the park and even have them around when friends come to visit.
For many puppies, this emphasis on socialization slowly drops off as the puppy matures into a dog. This trend is especially problematic when the puppy or dog begins to exhibit some less than desirable traits such as aggression towards other dogs, socially unacceptable behavior or even normal sexualized types of behavior. For the dogs, this loss of opportunities to learn correct socialize only compounds the problem. In order to maintain your level of socialization and social training of your dog consider the following top 10 tips.

1. Spay and Neuter Dogs
While this may seem to be an obvious tip, many people don't bother to spay or neuter their pet. Typically male dogs are left intact simply because owners know they won't have to deal with pregnancy issues, at least first hand. Males that are left intact are much more likely to be aggressive, territorial and have problems in socializing with other pets, especially other males. In addition when females are present these males will be much more difficult to control, even if they are normally calm and well behaved pets.


2. Start Early
As with all types of dog training, the more that you socialize early the more effective the training will be. But, like all kinds of training, if you don't constantly keep reviewing and practicing the skills the dog will eventually fade out the good behaviors that he or she has learned.

3. Maintain A Socialization Routine
If you don't currently work on socialization with your adult dog, start working in different types of training routines and events that will help. You can even add a trip to the dog park, the off leash area or take in an obedience class or a competitive training program. Any amount of socialization with other dogs and people will greatly help your dog stay confident and under control in a variety of situations.

4. Walk With Other Dogs
A great way to keep your dog socialized without attending a class or a training program is to find a group of friends, coworkers or family that will walk with you and your dog. This can be a terrific way to increase your exercise level as well, just plan a trip into the country or to the park on a weekend and enjoy. Always be sure to check that all dogs are getting along well before any off-leash time.

5. Introduce New Animals and Pets
One of the keys to socialization is to keep introducing your dog to new pets and different types of animals, people and situations. Of course your other house pets cannot continue to be new animals, rather you will have to rely on friend's pets and animals. Always be very conscious of safety issues and keep both animals under control at all times during the first few meetings. In addition, if you have a dog that is a high prey drive breed, such as a hunting dog or terrier, it is a good idea to carefully limit any contact with typical prey species.

6. Include Your Dog In Social Situations
Rather than immediately putting your dog into the back room or outside in the yard when company arrives, allow your dog to get accustom to company so he or she won't have to be constantly exiled. If you have friends that are used to dogs they can be very helpful in this type of training, just let them know that you want them to ignore the dog when they arrive unless he or she is sitting and behaving correctly.

7. Bring Your Dog With You
You would be surprised how much socialization your dog can get by just going in the vehicle with you to run errands or to stop in and do different appropriate tasks. This going along will need to be limited to the cooler seasons since you don't want your dog left in the vehicle for even a few minutes in the warm and hot summer seasons.

8. Don't Let Your Fears Influence Your Training
If you are nervous or worried about your dog being out in public he or she will pick up on your feelings of anxiety and this is likely to result in aggression and defensive behavior. If you aren't comfortable with your dog or aren't sure how to handle situations with your dog to a training class or work with a private dog behavior specialist.

9. Your Dogs Breed Traits Need To Be Considered
Some breeds are known to be more social and less dog aggressive, while other breeds are known to be naturally more independent and less easy to socialize. If you have a dog that is a guard dog breed, you will need to work more consistently on socialization than a breed that is very laid back and accepting of other pets, animals and people.

10. Praise and Recognition
It is essential for owners to reward their dogs for the right behavior. Too often owners forget this part and only correct when the behavior is bad. By praising and rewarding your dog when he or she is socializing and behavior appropriately in new situations, they will quickly learn exactly what you want.

Keeping socialization in the forefront of training programs will really benefit your dog. A well socialized and trained dog is welcome in most situations, which will only reinforce your dogs terrific behavior through practice and ongoing training.

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