Socialization is thought of as having pets play together, but it can be a lot more than this. Properly socializing a dog means introducing them to everything around them, so they are used to it and not as startled by things that may happen. Though there is a short window for the initial socialization period, continued socialization can also help the dog throughout their life. Some of the benefits of socialization include the following.
Prevent Fear Of New Situations
Dogs can be scared or nervous in new situations, but socializing them while they are young can help with that. This can mean taking them to as many places as safely possible, taking part in dog boarding and day camps, going to puppy classes, and more. Let them safely meet new dogs, see cats, hear cars go by or a train pulling into a station, hear a balloon pop, and more. The more they can experience, the less frightening things will be in the future.
Get Plenty Of Exercise
Dogs need a ton of exercise, and they will not get it just from taking walks. They need to be able to play, too. For working pet owners, this can present a problem, as they will not be able to dedicate enough time to play. However, taking them to a day camp provides the opportunity for the pet to socialize and get plenty of exercise. They will be able to run most of the day and will be exhausted when they are done.
Develop Confidence
Puppies can be scared of everything at first. When they are socialized, they get as many new experiences as possible and they are able to develop their confidence. This means they will be more likely to investigate something new and less likely to be scared of it. They might be cautious, but they are not going to be terrified because they spot something unusual to them. This is important to help them thrive.
Learn To Meet Other Dogs
Meeting other dogs needs to be done with care to prevent potential issues from either dog. Proper socialization when the puppy is young can help prevent issues, as they will learn the appropriate behaviors when meeting a new dog and how to let the other dog know if they want to play or just relax. This can help them to relax more when walking past other dogs or know how to play properly so all the dogs are safe.
Better Behavior Around People
Dogs need to be shown how to behave around people and how to act when they meet someone new. Otherwise, the dog might bite for fear of new people, might hide because they are scared, or might get so excited they jump on new people. Instead, when they are socialized young, they learn how to behave properly around people and are able to stay calm, allowing them to be petted by those they meet. This can be a safety issue as well as behavioral and is important to work on.
Taking the time to socialize puppies can help them to be better dogs as they grow. This does not mean just letting them play with other dogs, but rather having them experience as much as possible while they are young to prevent fear and help them be as confident as possible. Try out different socialization activities like day camps or puppy classes to learn more.
