Socialization:
Is it anything surprising? Is it anything that you have not heard before? I think not. Then why are there still so many problem dogs? People have jumped on the socialization band wagon without a complete understanding what it is all about.
Socialization is merely becoming familiar and comfortable with our environment through habituation and constant exposure. Unfortunately, socialization must cover a vast area of experiences and exposure to many different places, peoples, and things.
It also must be done at the most opportune time for the puppy. All puppies have an optimum time period where they will easily adapt and habituate to new experiences in their environment. This time period is between 2-5 months of age, depending on the individual.
Two things that are most important about socialization:
- The most effective time to socialize your puppy is between 7-16 weeks of age.
- It should be intense and unrelenting, and deserves all the effort and time that you can give it.
