Do you Have a Puppy? - A Must Read!

 

Do you Have a Puppy? - A Must Read!

Socialization (and Imprinting) - What is it?!

Socialization is a phase-sensitive period that according to different sources ranges from the 3rd to 10th-14th week of life. During this period puppies learn to deal with new experiences and challenges they may encounter.

Imprinting is where some animals, including dogs, appear to be "pre-programmed" (genetically) to learn certain behaviors or aspects of their environment regardless of the consequences that may follow. This is where many of the dog's likes, dislikes, and particular behaviors will be formed. For example, a puppy who has no contact with humans during this 3rd-14th week timeframe may develop a lifelong fear of humans and identify more strongly with humans. This can lead to unwanted behaviors such as home-alone problems.

Socialization and imprinting timeframes overlap. If socialized properly, dogs will be less likely to develop fearful or overly reactive responses toward different situations. While the old myth of neutering males to prevent aggression is still prevalent in today's society, it's just that... a myth. Proper socialization is the key to minimizing the chances of aggression.

Around week 5, puppies start to show fearful responses to different stimuli (events/things).

During weeks 7-12 is where dogs learn "dog language" including pacifying, aggressive, fearful, dominant, and submissive behaviors. Essentially, learning to talk “dog”. This is why it’s important to ask questions about your potential puppy's daily life if coming from a breeder.

In the early stages of a puppy's life, socialization starts within their own litter and through their parents. This is where, by trial and error, puppies will learn what types of behaviors to display, in which contexts, and with how much intensity. By the time puppies reach around 8-9 weeks old, they are developed enough mentally and physically to explore their unfamiliar environment, including other dogs and humans.

In the process of socialization, a lack of exposure to certain novelties may result in fearful reactions for the rest of their life. This process has been shown to be partially, or wholly, irreversible. This is where the importance of socialization truly comes into play.

Although the socialization and imprinting stages end around week 14, it is important to provide new, enriching experiences throughout their first year of life. Puppies will naturally alternate from fearful to more self-confident times during these periods, and that's completely normal!

So what can you do to help?

Provide your puppy with new experiences. Give them exposure to the many different things in our world. Remember to work at your dog's pace. This is not a process to push them through. They need time, not pressure. Enjoy this time creating new and pleasant memories together, they will literally last a lifetime!

Share or tag someone who recently (or will be) bringing a puppy into their life! This is a very crucial, and often overlooked, time in puppies’ lives.

“Be a friend. Not an owner.”