Importance of Puppy Socialization
The socialization of puppies comes from two sources, human and canine. The first acts of socialization come from the interaction between mother and littermates. A mother teaches her puppies what is acceptable behavior. The mother to puppy and littermate to puppy socialization is invaluable and cannot be simulated in any way, which is why we do not allow any puppies to leave until they are 8 weeks of age.
Once the mother’s work is well underway, it is our turn to assist in the process. Exposure to as many different noises, sights, smells and experiences are vital to producing a stable, well-tempered puppy. Car rides, collars, walking on leash, cats, other breeds of dogs, children, high pitched voices and crates all are seemingly simple, everyday stimuli that we expect our dogs to respond favorably to. We often take for granted that these are all new experiences for a young puppy. When some one they have learned to trust exposes them to the new experience, it reduces the stress and can be quickly viewed in a favorable light. We believe in The Rule of Seven, written by Pat Hastings, AKC judge and author of The Puppy Puzzle, which offers these hints for socializing very young puppies. Please read below to see what we do for young puppies following these guidelines.
Puppy socialization does not stop with the breeder. It is important that a new owner continue to reinforce positive new experiences. I encourage all new puppy buyers to take their new pups between 4-6 months to Puppy kindergarten or an Obedience class. This is a wonderful chance for puppies to meet other young dogs of different breeds in a new and different environment. It also teaches a puppy the basic rules of sit, stay, down, come, no, etc. I strongly believe in Klicker Training with a young pup as it uses POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT using treats, to help teach acceptable behavior.
A well socialized puppy is one that is happy, confident and ready to encounter his journey through life.
Divine Mastiffs believes in and follows these tips from THE RULE OF SEVEN for socializing young puppies
Once the mother’s work is well underway, it is our turn to assist in the process. Exposure to as many different noises, sights, smells and experiences are vital to producing a stable, well-tempered puppy. Car rides, collars, walking on leash, cats, other breeds of dogs, children, high pitched voices and crates all are seemingly simple, everyday stimuli that we expect our dogs to respond favorably to. We often take for granted that these are all new experiences for a young puppy. When some one they have learned to trust exposes them to the new experience, it reduces the stress and can be quickly viewed in a favorable light. We believe in The Rule of Seven, written by Pat Hastings, AKC judge and author of The Puppy Puzzle, which offers these hints for socializing very young puppies. Please read below to see what we do for young puppies following these guidelines.
Puppy socialization does not stop with the breeder. It is important that a new owner continue to reinforce positive new experiences. I encourage all new puppy buyers to take their new pups between 4-6 months to Puppy kindergarten or an Obedience class. This is a wonderful chance for puppies to meet other young dogs of different breeds in a new and different environment. It also teaches a puppy the basic rules of sit, stay, down, come, no, etc. I strongly believe in Klicker Training with a young pup as it uses POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT using treats, to help teach acceptable behavior.
A well socialized puppy is one that is happy, confident and ready to encounter his journey through life.
Divine Mastiffs believes in and follows these tips from THE RULE OF SEVEN for socializing young puppies
THE RULE OF SEVENS ... TIPS ON PUPPY SOCIALIZATION
Pat Hastings, AKC judge and author of The Puppy Puzzle offers these hints for socializing very young puppies.
By the time a puppy is 7 weeks old it should have:
Been on 7 different surfaces, such as: carpet, concrete, wood, vinyl, grass, dirt, gravel, wood chips, newspaper, etc.
Played with 7 different types of objects, such as: big balls, small balls, soft fabric toys, fuzzy balls, squeaky toys, metal items, wooden items, paper/cardboard items, milk/soda jugs, etc.
Been in 7 different locations, including: front yard, backyard, basement, kitchen, car, garage, laundry room, bathroom, crate, kennel, etc.
Been exposed to 7 challenges, such as: climbed a box, climbed off a box, gone through a tunnel, climbed up steps, climbed down steps, climbed over obstacles, played hide and seek, gone in and out of a doorway with a step, etc.
Eaten from 7 different containers: metal, plastic, cardboard, paper, china, pie plate, frying pan, etc.
Eaten in 7 different locations: crate, yard, kitchen, basement, laundry room, bedroom, x-pen, etc.
Met and played with 7 new people, including children and the elderl
By the time a puppy is 7 weeks old it should have:
Been on 7 different surfaces, such as: carpet, concrete, wood, vinyl, grass, dirt, gravel, wood chips, newspaper, etc.
Played with 7 different types of objects, such as: big balls, small balls, soft fabric toys, fuzzy balls, squeaky toys, metal items, wooden items, paper/cardboard items, milk/soda jugs, etc.
Been in 7 different locations, including: front yard, backyard, basement, kitchen, car, garage, laundry room, bathroom, crate, kennel, etc.
Been exposed to 7 challenges, such as: climbed a box, climbed off a box, gone through a tunnel, climbed up steps, climbed down steps, climbed over obstacles, played hide and seek, gone in and out of a doorway with a step, etc.
Eaten from 7 different containers: metal, plastic, cardboard, paper, china, pie plate, frying pan, etc.
Eaten in 7 different locations: crate, yard, kitchen, basement, laundry room, bedroom, x-pen, etc.
Met and played with 7 new people, including children and the elderl