Proper Socialization Minimizes Dog's Behavior Problems

I routinely have students that choose to participate in group lessons because they want their dog to “learn to play” with other dogs.

Before we can assess whether a dog has good social play skills, it is important to understand how dogs develop those skills.

The most important time to socialize any dog is during the first 12 weeks of life. Every puppy learns how to properly play as an adult through interactions with its own littermates from 4 to 8 weeks of age. This is a critical socialization period for puppies, and incomplete socialization (the absence of littermates) or improper socialization (scary interactions) greatly increases the risk of behavioral problems as an adult.

From 8 to 12 weeks of age, every puppy should continue to interact with other puppies and well mannered, vaccinated adult dogs in controlled situations. These include well run puppy classes that feature supervised play, and play time with familiar adult dogs in controlled environments.

Dog parks and day care facilities are not a good choice at this age due to a puppy’s fragile immune status and the unknown play styles of too many other dogs. Puppies should also be introduced to a variety of people at this age, with each new person offering the puppy a yummy treat! Strangers should become doggie “Pez dispensers”.

After 16 weeks of age, a puppy’s socialization window is rapidly closing. Puppies may begin to fear unfamiliar dogs and people if poorly socialized during the previous early months of life. The result is an adolescent dog that may be uncomfortable around unfamiliar dogs and people.

As the owner repeatedly attempts to offer opportunities to “say hi” to others on leash many of these dogs become fearful, with increasing reactivity particularly in the presence of other dogs. Owners of friendly dogs often compound the fear of these dogs by allowing their dog to approach too quickly or when over-stimulated by the possibility of play.

The poor dog is so overwhelmed at this point that he may growl or snap, a normal response for a dog that cannot get away.           

It may be difficult or impossible to teach an adult dog to comfortably play with all other dogs. Why do we expect our dogs to “like” every other dog? Do you like every person you have ever met? Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for proper socialization:

• DO socialize your puppy with other puppies and well-behaved, familiar adult dogs if he is under 16 weeks of age.
• DO teach your dog how to approach other dogs calmly and quietly. Dogs should learn to sit and wait for permission from you to interact with other dogs.
• DO reward your dog for calm, attentive behavior around other dogs.
• DON’T assume that every dog you meet is friendly or wants to “Say Hi” to your dog.
• DON’T let your dog pull towards, rush up to, or lunge at other dogs.
• DON’T take your dog to the Dog Park or day care if he isn’t properly socialized. Even well adjusted dogs can be overwhelmed in larger groups of dogs or when involved in rough dog play.