Socializing puppy

	Bichon Frise Information Station serving the worldwide Bichon Frise community EDUCATIONAL section
HOME	THANKSGIVING TIME CAUTIONARIES *Please be vigilant of these things ....* Click	BICHON FRISE CHECKS
Attn: Kroger Shoppers
*'There is no therapist in the world as effective as an adoring bichon.'* LEGAL DISCLAIMER: All information contained on these pages is offered as a helpful service. It it not intended as medical counsel or taking the place of professional guidance. Please seek the services of a competent veterinarian or professional dog trainer at the first indication of problems.

SOCIALIZATION OF YOUR PUPPY

Puppies all tend to be cute . .. but they don't come into our world automatically knowing and trusting humans or the myriad of sometimes 'scary' life situations. Puppies need to be gently taught about visitors, automobiles, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, children and so much more. If they are not quietly exposed to people, other animals, and normal stimuli in their environment, they may grow up to become fearful, anxious, antisocial adult dogs.

     The first few months of a puppy's life are the most critical for development of confidence and trust. The socialization process should begin while the puppy is still with it's mother. Responsible breeders will expose the pups to normal household activities while still being cautiously prudent about not exposing the puppies to germs to which they may be susceptible.   Good breeders know that the mother   should play an integral part in teaching the puppy and the other siblings proper dog behavior about social skills, manners about biting too hard in play, being polite, sharing toys and going outside to go potty.

     As soon as you get the new puppy . . . .start with simple, quiet, positive one-person introductions, and gradually include more people in noisier situations. Invite patient, gentle friends, relatives, and their pets to come to the home to meet, greet, and play with the pup. BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERWHELM AND SCARE YOUR PUPPY!!

     As soon as your veterinarian says your puppy is adequately vaccinated, take it on as many walks and outings as is possible. Avoid situations that might be high risk for disease such as neighborhood dog parks or areas with multiple stray dogs.

     To make introductions positive and special, give a very delicious small treat to the puppy whenever it meets a new friend. If your puppy seems exceptionally cautious when introduced to situations or stimuli, start off with mild exposure, and give food rewards for non-fearful responses.

It's very important that your puppy meets a variety of people of all ages and appearances. A puppy that grows up in a restricted social group (e.g. all adults or all females) may show fear and aggression when later exposed to people who appear or act significantly different (e.g. children, men with beards).

An excellent way to promote early socialization is to take your puppy to training classes. Ask your veterinarian or groomer about positive training classes in your area. Basic classes in obedience, tricks, and elementary agility can all lend themselves to building confidence and trust in your young or old dog.

KEY ELEMENT: Positive training and exposure is the real key to developing a trusting dog. Punishment during the early development stages can inversely impact good people skills. Avoid training any method that involves physical discipline, such as swatting the pup, thumping it on the nose, or rubbing its face in a mess.

If you don't have the capacity & time to invest in proper socialization, please don't buy a puppy or adopt a shy adult dog. Constructive socializing and shaping your puppy's temperament requires an investment in time. Done well, you will find that your efforts are well worthwhile when you become the proud parent of a social, friendly dog.