A dog that is not properly socialized lacks some important skills used to cope with certain every day situations. They can become sensitive- if not overly sensitive- to any particular stimulus, which can in turn promote stress and discomfort in the dog. It is your job as a responsible dog owner to expose your dog to as many different common-place objects, noises and situations as possible to ensure your dog will not develop unfavorable behaviours when reintroduced to them at later stages in their life.
When is a good time to socialize my dog?
The best time to begin socializing your dog is during the first 10-20 weeks of a dog’s life, however, any dog can begin socialization exercises at any age beyond that.
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Is my dog too old to be socialized?
No, it is never too late in a dog’s life to begin a socialization program; although, you may face more challenges. Through positive reinforcement training methods, any dog’s associations with commonplace objects, places, and people can be altered.
Wait a minute…. Did you say to get my dog around as many other dogs as possible -even if he’s showing signs of aggression??
Consulting a professional should be your first prerogative so that a treatment program specific to your needs may be employed. However to address the question above: Yes, you should absolutely bring your dog around others. In fact, segregating a dog that is showing signs of discomfort around other dogs can further sensitize him/her to the presence of other dogs. Think about this: If you were stranded on a small island without the ability to see anyone, how excited would YOU be if you saw another person? Similarly, if you lived in a highly populated area and saw plenty of people every day, how relevant would their presence be? I think the answers to those questions speak for themselves.
The most important thing to mention is to do things in a safe manner, and not to rush the dog in question. Dogs, like humans, learn at their own pace and we need to be patient with them if we wish to have a successful outcome.
Where do socialization lessons take place?
Socialization lessons take place in a number of places. The trainer can come to your home if you're not ready for a group setting yet and we can work towards reintegrating your dog once it's deemed feasible.
Another possible option is the weekly Heel the Walk Class where dog owners bring their dogs to a group training session for a no-strings attached training course. Each week, we will focus on a few selected handling exercises and will go for a Fun Walk together to apply the day's learning. Training is strictly designed to help handlers better enjoy their walking experience by gaining confidence and learning to redirect their dogs before unfavourable behaviours occur.
When is a good time to socialize my dog?
The best time to begin socializing your dog is during the first 10-20 weeks of a dog’s life, however, any dog can begin socialization exercises at any age beyond that.
Click here for Puppy Kindy
Is my dog too old to be socialized?
No, it is never too late in a dog’s life to begin a socialization program; although, you may face more challenges. Through positive reinforcement training methods, any dog’s associations with commonplace objects, places, and people can be altered.
Wait a minute…. Did you say to get my dog around as many other dogs as possible -even if he’s showing signs of aggression??
Consulting a professional should be your first prerogative so that a treatment program specific to your needs may be employed. However to address the question above: Yes, you should absolutely bring your dog around others. In fact, segregating a dog that is showing signs of discomfort around other dogs can further sensitize him/her to the presence of other dogs. Think about this: If you were stranded on a small island without the ability to see anyone, how excited would YOU be if you saw another person? Similarly, if you lived in a highly populated area and saw plenty of people every day, how relevant would their presence be? I think the answers to those questions speak for themselves.
The most important thing to mention is to do things in a safe manner, and not to rush the dog in question. Dogs, like humans, learn at their own pace and we need to be patient with them if we wish to have a successful outcome.
Where do socialization lessons take place?
Socialization lessons take place in a number of places. The trainer can come to your home if you're not ready for a group setting yet and we can work towards reintegrating your dog once it's deemed feasible.
Another possible option is the weekly Heel the Walk Class where dog owners bring their dogs to a group training session for a no-strings attached training course. Each week, we will focus on a few selected handling exercises and will go for a Fun Walk together to apply the day's learning. Training is strictly designed to help handlers better enjoy their walking experience by gaining confidence and learning to redirect their dogs before unfavourable behaviours occur.