Could good intentions backfire and cause behavioral issues in your dog? In a nutshell: yes.
Socialization involves exposing a young domestic animal (such as a kitten or puppy) to a variety of people, animals, and situations to minimize fear and promote friendliness. Yet, some pet owners put too much emphasis on socialization, or do it wrong entirely. So, what is the proper way to socialize? Understanding your dog’s boundaries and introducing them to unfamiliar settings in small doses.
Continue reading to learn about the common mistakes owners make when socializing their dogs.
1. Starting Big Rather Than Working Gradually
This graphic is a great reference that many experienced trainers reference. Often, new dog owners dive too fast into socializing their dogs, starting off in giant parks or traffic-heavy areas rather than in small, controlled settings. Without gaining positive exposure to unfamiliar sights and sounds, your puppy could develop separation anxiety and other issues.
There are some amazing checklists to get you started on your journey, including this detailed form from Hall Veterinary Surgery.
2. Failing to Read a Dog’s Body Language
This sounds like a no-brainer, but you really need to watch your dog during new exposures and do your homework when it comes to dog body language. If you are not aware of these things, then you can’t understand when they’re stressed or relaxed. By understanding the signs of aggression, fear, and uncertainty in dogs, you can better adjust socialization sessions to meet their needs.
3. Overwhelming Your Dog with Too Many People
Be sure not to overwhelm your dog. If you are trying to get your puppy used to people for instance, don’t flood them with a ton of people all at once, such as taking them to a big outdoor event or the next party you have at someone’s house. Introduce items gradually to ensure they can handle interactions in small doses, then upgrade as your pup builds confidence.
4. Not Capturing Your Puppy’s Focus
This is probably the most overlooked part of the whole socialization process. Your dog must learn to look to you for guidance. Even when there are distractions, such as strangers or other dogs, they should remain focused on you. Shower them with affection, treats, toys, and other motivators that reinforce this.
5. Substituting Regular Interaction with Dog Parks
You might think that taking your new pet to the dog park daily is a great way to socialize them. While a vaccinated dog can get lots of stimulation at dog parks, there are many risks—especially if you’re not familiar with your dog’s mannerisms and haven’t mastered basic obedience commands. What’s more, being around other dogs doesn’t equal socialization. Socializing your dog is a concentrated effort to shape their behavior and build their confidence in the face of unfamiliar situations and people. It’s not the same as plain socializing.
Steer clear of dog parks until your dog is fully socialized and responds to cues like “come here”. While this may initially seem limiting, in the long run, it could keep your dog safe from fights stemming from aggression or reactivity—both normal responses to fear and stress.
6. Neglecting to Work with a Trainer
Of course, you will need guidance to avoid common behavioral problems in dogs or work through problems that have already developed. Seek out the guidance of a Certified Professional Dog Trainer to get your dog on the right track. If you are just starting out with a new puppy, enroll them in puppy classes as early as possible. These classes provide positive social experiences in a controlled environment with a professional by your side to help you along the way.
By implementing these tools to properly socialize your puppy, you help ensure that your dog develops the skills needed to navigate the world around them.
