Socialisation is the process of learning to communicate and relate with humans, members of the same species, and other animals. Not all socialisation and exposure are positive. It involves much more than just a checklist or encouraging dogs to play with other dogs, and it takes careful preparation and planning.

Puppies may easily become overwhelmed and sensitised to environmental stimuli, especially if there are negative associations with their first experience. It is difficult to habituate or get used to experiences that produce strong negative emotional responses. Dogs cannot simply get used to scary situations. Instead, flight or fight responses may become ingrained. Socialisation is first and foremost about making exposure pleasant and fun.

 

Can the lack of socialisation and habituation be overcome later in life?

 

Building resilience is all about building social and environmental competence without initiating emotional responses and resulting stress responses. With sensitive and informed application, remedial socialisation and habituation is possible in many companion dogs.

 

Socialisation and exposure are only valuable if they are enjoyable for the puppy. The take home message from this post is

• keep it short

• use distance

• keep it positive

• make it fun

• avoid overwhelming the dog

 

References

Howell, T. J., King, T., & Bennett, P. C. (2015). Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior. Veterinary medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 6, 143–153. https://doi.org/10.2147/VMRR.S62081

Serpell J, Jagoe JA. (1995) Early experience and the development of behaviour. In Serpell J (ed). The Domestic Dog, p.82-102, Cambridge University Press.