Training & Behavior - The Social Pet
The socialization period for dogs can start when they are young (between 4–12 weeks of age and older). During this period, the puppy may be more accepting of new experiences and therefore less fearful of them later in life. It is important that socialization takes place in an appropriate environment where your puppy is not at risk of being exposed to disease or other dangers.
It is also a good idea to get your puppy used to being handled when they are young. Gently looking into their eyes, ears, mouth, and feeling their legs and tail helps you bond with your puppy and will hopefully allow them to feel more relaxed during visits to the veterinarian, groomer, and similar settings.
Although there are many ways to train your pet, here are some general reminders that we believe to be very helpful: be consistent to avoid confusing your pet, train for short periods as puppies have a short attention span, use cheerful and upbeat voices, play gently to encourage trust and develop a strong bond, and be patient.
We encourage your pet to be as social with other animals as possible while staying safe. There are many ways you and your new pet can explore the social world—from training and social classes to dog parks and other safe environments, there are many adventures you can share together.
There are several trainers and behaviorists in our area who offer classes as well as individual instruction when needed. Contact us for recommendations on the most appropriate trainer for your pet and your needs.
Although we recommend fecal testing on all pets yearly, please be sure to periodically test your social pet. A social dog is like being in a kindergarten classroom—they are bound to share all sorts of things, both good and bad. Pets can have parasitic infections while showing no signs of disease, and some parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from pets to people.
We will let you know when your pet has been vaccinated sufficiently to begin socializing, but please let us know if you have any questions before you start your adventure.