socialization

Socialization is important for dogs.

 

What is socialization?  It is introducing the puppies to different people and animal.  These introductions need to be set up so they leave a good memory for the puppy, then they will think that meeting new friends is good! 

Why is socialization important?  A dog that was not properly socialized in the first few months of life is more likely to have problems with new people or animals.  

 Rather than looking at the new creature as a friend, they can learn to look at them as an adversary, a threat, or prey.  This leads directly to some of the worst problems a pet dog can have- biting a child, killing a cat, or acting aggressive toward people.

Dr. Ian Dunbar, one of our favorite trainers, recommends that puppies be introduced to at least 100 different people before they reach 8 weeks of age. These people should be of as many different types as possible, different ages, voices, races, and energy levels.  So far the Dark Moon puppies have met about 15 people, none of them children. We need your help!  Anyone who wants to meet the puppies and help in their socialization should come by for a visit. It is especially important for them to meet children of different sizes so kids, we need you to visit!  You can contact us by email at sunhorse1@att.net if you live in the Las Vegas area and want to stop by.