Let’s talk about socialization.
Or, perhaps it’s more appropriate to talk about the dangers of improper or the lack of socialization. Puppies learn most of their social skills from their mother and littermates. If they are born to a healthy, well-nourished mother after having been conceived by two stable, balanced parents, whelped in a secure environment with positive human interaction and no scarcity of resources and stay with their mother for 2-6 weeks after she weens them then you have a decent shot at a well-socialized puppy.
Sadly, many puppies are the product of puppy mills, accidents, backyard breeding and irresponsible humans. Despite it being illegal here in Pennsylvania, many puppies are taken from their mother before 8 weeks of age. They are bred based on convenience and availability of dogs that “look” right and many are viewed as commodities designed to turn a profit.
Coming from any situation, it’s most likely that an inexperienced pet parent will screw it up anyway. When your puppy comes home you are most likely going to be enthralled and want to hold, cuddle and snuggle. I get that! A good amount of affection is necessary. What’s even more important, though, are boundaries and discipline, structure and guidance. Although you do need to be aware of immunization schedules, your puppy needs to experience the world ASAP.
They need to be exposed to people and good dogs, they need to engage in play with other puppies their own age, they need to go places and see things and smell all the incredible scents their little noses can find. They need to hear loud, scary noises at the side of a confident leader. They need to wear a collar and be taught to walk on a leash without pulling or lagging behind. It’s a lot of work. Bringing home a puppy is much like bringing home an infant human. They are completely dependent on you to provide their most basic needs and to do so with the intention of raising a healthy, balanced being into adulthood.
How do you go about this?
Dog parks? NO! Dog parks are full of untrained dogs and- even worse- their humans who don’t seem to realize they have awful dogs.
Playdates and pack walks with older, well-trained dogs? Maybe. You must be cognizant of the dangers of exposure to contagious diseases before your puppy is fully vaccinated. Good hygiene and following your veterinarian’s advice are the way to go.
Puppy class? YES! I don’t say this just because I teach a weekly Puppy Pre-School. In fact, I developed that class as a direct result of witnessing the need for what I’m advocating above.
My current foster, Brooklyn, was very clearly not socialized properly. All we know about her for sure is that she was an owner-surrender. Observing her behaviors and choices leads me to believe she was probably purchased as a puppy, given lots of love and affection but no boundaries, kept isolated with just her people and then became big and boisterous- as German Shepherds are known to do. Additionally, after what was likely a not-so-good interaction with another dog that was not handled well by either family, it was probably assumed that she, “doesn’t like other dogs,” and was therefore isolated even more which just made the situation worse. Soon, even a simple walk around the block became a frustrating chore when she began to react to every dog and stranger she saw so there goes the exercise and the only outlet she had for her energy.
It’s a vicious cycle.
She’s been here for 6 days and this morning we had a huge win! She spent her first morning potty trip and then about 15 minutes mingling with my pack. Up until now I’ve been following the crate and rotate protocol. With the help of Zach, my senior trainer and our interns, we’ve been offering safe greetings but it’s been quite challenging. I’m feeling quite hopeful this morning, so much more than I have been until now.
I’m seeing glimmers of hope, there is such a good girl inside of her that wants to come out! She isn’t riddled with fears and anxieties as so many are, but she’s got some nervous habits. She’s not a fan of anyone approaching her crate. I do my best to not allow the other dogs to bother her there- she has the right to security in her own crate. Oddly, she’s afraid of rocks but Zach is working on that. She is smart and eager to please, so affectionate and has boundless energy! I’m looking forward to seeing how she reacts to kids so I can make an informed recommendation regarding her adoptive home.
Most importantly, my team and I are doing everything we can to make up for the socialization she did not get as a young puppy. Things are looking up! What she needs now is a family to call her own and take on the challenge of completing her education. Are you that family? Please visit the Char-Wills website and complete an application. Brooklyn comes with lifetime support from Mia Semuta Dog Training which includes attendance at group class for life and the most supportive and loving pack ever assembled.
It takes a village.
