K9 socializing…it’s important, really, really important. In fact, it is so important that I am going to do a podcast on the subject to go along with this blog.
Social/Socializing - to make social; make fit for life in companionship with others.
Socializing in itself is a huge part of having puppies. The meaning of socializing is very different from the way that humans socialize. When we talk about “socializing” dogs, the meaning is about introducing the world around us to our dogs, in a safe and controlled method. This is often discussed with regard to puppies but it can also refer to rehabilitating or helping an adult to move past an issue.
Socializing puppies is all about environment, sound, sights, people and other dogs. It is extremely important and depending on where you got your puppy; it may be more important than ever to get it done and get it done early. The way you socialize your puppy also depends largely on your puppy. When we got Riggs, it was very clear that I needed to get him out asap. Of course that means doing it safely and calculating risks.
Early socializing vs. ending up with a very fearful puppy.
Riggs is very much a fearful dog and when he first joined us, pretty much everything scared the begeezes out of him. So after his second set of shots I made the very conscious decision to get him out in the world that he was going to live in. He has come a long way and I am really happy that I made the decision that I did. I could have listened to the Vet and waited and then I may have been dealing with a dog who was freaking out at every new turn in his world. I am fully aware that most Veterinarians want you to wait until the dog has had all of their shots before venturing out but that can be extremely detrimental for your dog down the road.
Just this past weekend, a debate began on Facebook about when to socialize. A woman with a new puppy had done a ton of research and learned that she should start as soon as she could with her new family member. Others jumped in saying NOOOOOOOOO, wait, you can’t, listen to your vet. Then I popped in and gave my opinion; which was different from everyone else.
Socializing is a controversial subject, like many other topics with regards to dogs and their guardians. Everyone has to be make their own decision about their dog and what they feel comfortable doing. Most people err on the side of caution and take the advice of their vet. Sadly many dogs suffer from being locked up until all of their shots are completely done before being introduced to the world around them.
Each k9 guardian is individual as is their canine. I always recommend early socialization and offer safe ways to do your puppy socializing. More is not better with regard to puppies. A little bit more often is much better than flooding a puppy; which should never be done. Too much socializing can actually backfire. So there is a fine line of when, how and how much socializing. Researching about the subject is the best thing you can do. That is probably my biggest recommendation of all, research. Then you can make an educated decision about your new dog.