Answer:
Socialization of a 2 to 5 month old puppy is becoming more and more recognized as a key factor in optimizing bonding, and preventing behavior problems throughout life. Socialization might be described as "civilizing" a dog. It means carefully introducing the dog to friendly healthy dogs, people, cats and other species. Each new time the puppy successfully meets a new being, the skill of "getting along with others" is strengthened. Each new greeting should be supervised to praise positive interactions, prevent negative experiences, and interrupt and redirect inappropriate interactions like barking, aggressing and mounting.

It is very common for a person to notice their dog becoming aggressive toward new people or other dogs beginning at 2 years of age. This aggression was probably preventable by early socialization, but by 2 years of age the puppy socialization class opportunity was missed. Now the unsocialized dog must either experience permanent social isolation from new dogs and people, or undergo an intense residual socialization experience guided by an experienced trainer.

A human rookie mistake is allowing the puppy up on furniture, then later punishing the adult dog for doing the same thing. Dogs will learn almost any house rule, if people can just be consistent. Another social mistake is allowing the puppy to jump up during greetings. The greeting for the puppy should be exactly the same as for the adult dog; SIT to be greeted!

Still another social interaction mistake is tolerating "play biting" which may lead to serious biting as an adult dog. The correct response to play biting is to suddenly yelp as if hurt. It should be sudden enough and loud enough to startle the dog. Praise gentle play and gradually discourage all tooth on skin contact once it is all gentle.

Back