You know your friend’s dog who cowers in the corner? The one where your friend says, “We think he was abused.” More than likely, the dog was not abused. He just was never socialized.
Socializing is the most important activity for a puppy in the first few months of life, even more than house training. A socialized pup can be handled, is safer around people and other dogs, and more capable of learning than one who has had no exposure to the world. There is much less risk of dog bite incidents, with a confident dog. And he will be happier. Doesn't that make it worth the effort?
Here are five tips to create a happy, confident pet:
Make New Friends
Puppies are a natural magnet for attention out in public. Happily, this is the best thing for them. After your pup has had his first vaccinations, it is best to take him with you everywhere, exposing him to as much stimulation as possible. When my big German shepherd, Cajun, was a pup, I set a goal that he should meet one hundred people during the first week I had him. I took him to grocery store parking lots, school events, and even a home show. It didn't take long before the quota of 100 was far exceeded.
Cajun is now a dark, imposing 85 pound shepherd, but he loves people and little kids and I can trust him with anyone. The early learning window closes at about four and a half months of age. Before that time, even if you have a pup who is shy, you have the opportunity to turn this around by saturating him with new people and places.
Be On the Go
Part of your puppy's crate training includes travel. Going new places and exploring new environments is the best thing for him. He will have the experience of riding in the car too. Take him to areas where there is heavy traffic and let him become accustomed to the noise and smells. If he is spooky, don't baby him. Just walk him along on the leash and go about your business. You can feed him a treat now and then, and let strangers give him treats as well. Many pet stores allow dogs, so use this opportunity! Take him in and walk him on the slippery floors and under the fluorescent lights, around rolling carts. Try to make every experience a pleasant one for him. If he is frightened, you need to double your efforts and get him out more. All puppies, regardless of breed, should be taken to a reputable grooming shop, for a bath, brush and blow dry.
A gentle, professional groomer knows how to make this a pleasant experience for a pup. This is a great socialization tool in so many ways - the noise and new environment, the different surfaces he'll have to stand on, the handling by strangers, and the separation from you, are all a good experience for him. During these jaunts, do not baby your puppy by carrying him bodily. Put him on a leash and teach him to walk with you. This too will greatly enhance his confidence level.
Find Others Of His Kind
If you meet other dogs on your jaunts, insure first that they are friendly and good with puppies, and then do allow them to sniff and make friends, and even play a little. If you see a dog jumping on the end of the leash, getting hysterical at the sight of another dog, it is usually due to a lack of this type of exposure when young. A puppy who has met other dogs grows up confident in this realm. A note about toy dogs and safety: If your dog is a tiny breed, such as a Chihuahua or other toy variety and is approached by another, large dog, politely scoop up your pup and wait until you ensure that the other dog means no harm. Many large dogs will naturally be aggressive toward smaller ones, and sometimes the owner isn't aware of this. But as the owner of the toy breed, it is your responsibility to be aware of potentially harmful situations.
This does not mean you should carry the toy dog everywhere. Little dogs need exercise and confidence too, and are perfectly capable of walking great distances. When I lived in Colorado, I had a toy poodle named H.B. who would hike eight or ten miles up into the mountains with me. People would say, “Oh, I can't believe you are making him walk all this way!” I'd grin and say, “Why not? He's got twice as many legs as I have!” I didn't usually mention that, over any especially difficult terrain, H.B. could be conveniently popped into my backpack! He was a great hiking companion and needless to say, he was in terrific condition.
Have Some Class
Puppy classes are one of the best things you can do for your new family member. You will learn so much about your dog, and be able to address certain issues, and the socialization with other puppies is invaluable. Every puppy should go to puppy school. If you don't have one in mind, contact your veterinarian for a referral.
Hold His Hand
Establish a ritual during a quiet time in your day. Maybe it's when you sit to watch TV in the evening. For twenty minutes, hold the puppy on your lap, on his back. If he struggles, don't let him up until he stops. Hold him on his back, and feel his paws, between the pads. Take a pair of nail clippers and bump them against his nails, as if you were cutting them. Examine his ears. Look inside his mouth. Touch his tail and his belly. The puppy will probably try to bite you, especially when you handle his paws and lips. Ignore his attempts to play.
Go through his hair and over every inch of his body. He will learn to tolerate everything. Holding him on his back in a submissive pose will teach him that you are the alpha, or boss dog. Some dominant puppies will resent this, but they all need to become accustomed to it. The more you handle him, the easier time veterinarians and groomers will have later. It's sad to have to tranquilize a dog just to cut his nails or do some routine examination. A dog that has been handled regularly makes life much easier for everyone involved.
It's important to note that releasing the dog constitutes a reward. If you release him while he struggles, you are teaching him to struggle. Wait for the moment when he is calm and quiet, and at that moment, let him go.
Invest time in your pup while he is young. Work with him every day. You will never regret it. Your time and energy invested now will pay off for years to come.
