Making Spot a social butterfly

GEORGE NEWS - Puppy socialisation is a critical period that starts at about four weeks and ends at about 16 weeks of age.

During this period, brain development happens rapidly and all experiences will affect the rest of the dog's life.

Furthermore, a dog's first fear period or onset of hazard avoidance coincides with this critical socialisation period.

After sixteen weeks, the window for critical socialisation closes, and the puppy will enter their adolescent phase. So, how do we socialize a puppy, and what would happen if we don't socialize a puppy at all during his critical period?

Local K9 behaviourist and trainer George van Huyssteen explains: "Socialisation is much more than attending a class or taking a puppy to a daycare to play. You need to provide the puppy with as many positive experiences as possible during this period. Socialising a puppy during his critical period can prevent behavioral problems such as; aggression towards people or other animals, shyness, fearfulness, and intractability.

"The puppy will learn to interact appropriately with other dogs and will learn essential skills such as bite inhibition. Furthermore, the puppy will learn to bond with his owner, learn the skills needed to fit into a household, and learn all our rules and regulations. While all the above is quite easy to do during this period, it can become very complicated to do a behavior modification program for a fear-aggressive dog later in life."

Quick socialisation tips:

• Socialise your puppy in different locations

Short car rides to different places. The beach, parks, pet store, cafes, veterinarian clinic, grooming parlour.

• Sounds and different noises

Gradually desensitise your puppy to different sounds and loud noises in a gentle way. Sounds of rain, thunder, fireworks, construction sounds, doorbell, children playing, etc. You can find these sounds with a simple google search. Start playing it at a low volume, then gradually increase the volume over a few sessions. Play it in the background while you play with your pup so it's a positive experience.

• Household appliances

Umbrellas, brooms, rakes, vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, etc. When using these items you can randomly throw kibble at a distance away from where you are working. This will help create a positive association for the pup.

• Things that move on wheels

Let them see anything that moves on wheels like bicycles, skateboards, scooters, prams, cars, etc. Always be at a distance that the pup is comfortable in. As the puppy looks at the object, praise your puppy and give them a treat.

• Different types of people

Slowly introduce them to different people of different ages, sizes, men, women, and children. Always let the puppy approach someone on his or her own terms. Do not force interaction.

Whenever a puppy is exposed to something that is foreign to them, it needs to be done at a slow pace on the pup's terms. Always try and make it a positive association by using a happy gentle voice, phrasing, and encouraging your pup in a happy gentle voice as well as using delicious food or treats to make the experience really fun and rewarding.

Socialisation is the best start to life for a new young puppy.