We tend to shelter own young, both our children and our family dog from the world around us until we feel they are ready for it. But if we never expose them to the world, how will they ever be ready to experience it? Studies show that the peak period to get your puppy socialized is from 3 to 12 weeks.
That is where the trouble begins, because I bought my puppy from a kennel at 9 weeks old. So my window of opportunity was almost over before I started. I had no way of knowing what my little Maltese had seen, smelt, witnessed, heard, or already overcame before she was introduced to her new dad.
She loved people, and her toy poodle sister. So I knew she had enough human and animal contact. The smell of her sister canned dog food was a new smell for her...but she quickly knew she wanted to experience that! Her surroundings in our home she quickly adapted to...carpet floors, soft sofa, and her parents comfortable bed.
But I soon found out that the biggest challenge would be sounds. Deathly afraid of the dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, and hair dryer, to name a few. At 7 months, the vaccum cleaner is still a major issue for her, but she had adapted to most of the other sounds. maybe that tells you that I don't vacuum enough, I don't know. But what I always try to do is to give praise when the encounter she feared is over and she acted favorably toward it.
Just remember that the act of socialization with your new puppy should never be rushed or forced. Be patient, understanding, and reward your puppy for the right reasons, and you too will pass the difficult task of introducing your new little puppy to the outside world around them.
About the Author
Larry Buhrandt is an accomplished writer interested in sharing his knowledge on dog training, feeding and good health. Read More
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