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Socialization, myths and facts.
Interesting & Useful Information, please ask the authors of the article before copying any of their work, thank you.
Socialization, we have all been told to socailize our puppies and dogs, they have to meet so may other dogs in a certain time, right?
The term socialization refers to a period in a puppies life (beginning at three weeks of age) where under the guidance of their mother (in the wild other members of the pack help with this), they become aware of the world around them. They explore safely, Mom guides them to make the right choices. They play, smell, touch, chew, explore their world, learn bite inhibition (not to bit to hard). Please do not remove the a puppy from it's Mother/siblings to early as they will never learn this. If your puppy bites, say "Och" and do not make a game out of it.
Some dog's personalities make socializing impossible, it can make their behavior worse and harm them.
Putting a fearful/anxious puppy or dog (of any age that is anxious/nervous) in an overwhelming position is unfair, unkind. Forcing a puppy/dog into an environment where it is unhappy is not the answer. Please get to know your dog's personality first, before making any decision (Puppy playgroups, dog parks, training classes etc).
Knowing your puppy /dog and giving them gentle guidance in your home is the answer. Many media advertisements try to convince dog owners that for every issue socialization is the answer. This is not true, some dogs never cope with this, they need peace and to be allowed to spend their days quietly with a soul mate who understands their needs, in a pressure free environment.
Please do not place your friend in a position where they can not cope and will fail, be their guide, understand them and leave them at home, stress free.
Each puppy/dog is different, just as every child in a family is, by seeing this we can give our dogs the right exposure at the right time.
There are of course dogs who at the right age, at the right place, love their socialization time. Please recognize that some can not cope with it, never will, and that this is OK.
This article is for the owners of dogs and puppies who will never be ready for this and gives them permission to skip class!
Play with your friend at home, without guilt!
Louise Pay.
Dogs and Babies by Jan Fennell. The Dog Listener.
Pet store bought dogs by Pat Wright . Dog Listener CT. Pat is also a mentor for the Jan Fennell organization.
Shock Collars, please read the shocking truth.
Take the lead, by Louise Pay, Dog Listener Bay Area. CA
Using a long line to guide your dog's behavior.
Crate training, the right way.
Socialization, not for all puppies and dogs.
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