Socialization, everyone knows they should do it, but what is it? How is it done well?

Socialization is the process of providing age and individually appropriate exposures to dogs, people, sensory experiences, places and things to your puppy (or older dog).

The purpose of socialization is to familiarize your puppy with the world, increase coping skills and confidence. This is their note book or reference library on living in the world.

“Good” socialization keeps you puppy or dog in the “THINKING ZONE”. The thinking zone is where your puppy is curious, interested and feels safe. Outside the thinking zone is boredom, feeling overwhelmed or fear.

Qualities of exposures.

Ø Frequency of exposures to the dogs, persons, places, sensations or things (DPPST).

Ø Duration of the exposure to the DPPST

Ø Characteristics of the DPPST

Ø Distance from the DPPST

Ø Volume and frequency of sounds

Ø Movement and speed of DPPST

Ø Variations of the DPPST

Ø Extraneous variables in the environment

Ø How safe does the puppy or dog feel in the environment