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Socialisation
THE MOST IMPORTANT PUPPY TRAINING YOU WILL EVER DO! Your puppy's CRITICAL PERIOD is between 7 - 14 weeks of age. Everything your puppy experiences, good or bad, in this period, will be reflected in his behaviour throughout his life. Positive associations with other dogs & people during this period is essential to create a well adjusted, happy adult dog. Lack of socialisation in dogs is one of the major contributors to problems such as fear and anxiety, often leading to euthanasia, re-homing and / or a restricted lifestyle in the backyard for a great many dogs. Socialisation is the most important activity you can do with your puppy & you will need to make the time and effort over the next few months to ensure that your puppy is truely well socialised. Socialisation is simply creating lots of pleasurable experiences for your puppy to teach it an acceptance of novel experiences, people, dogs, sounds and environments that it may encounter later on in life.
IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU PROVIDE AS MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR PUPPY TO CALMLY ADAPT & EXPLORE SITUATIONS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS TO ENCOURAGE GENERALISATION & HAVE A LASTING BENEFICIAL EFFECT.
It is vital at this time, that you avoid situations that may cause fear, as traumatic experiences during this critical period may have a lasting detrimental effect on your puppy. To ensure you provide a pleasurable experience you can feed, play or massage your puppy during these activites. Initially begin with your puppy feels safe, reward calm responses & allow lots of time for your puppy to adjust. Encourage your puppy to explore objects & places and choose only nice, calm and relaxed puppies & dogs for your pup to interact with. I would encourage all Puppy owners to enrol in a well run puppy class with qualified, positive instructors to ensure you have a well adjusted canine family member for life! |
