Primary Socialization of Puppy Dogs:

A Fundamental Concept

This is a very important stage, in which the puppy experiments intensive learning, which will allow it to completely integrate itself in the surroundings. Numerous definitions for the socialization period have been given. The fundamental idea is to understand that the puppy acquires a series of knowledge that allow it to adopt normal behaviors before any situations in its future social life. It is logical to think that the lack of socialization leads to maladjustment. This stage covers very important notions: self control, communication, hierarchical structuring, autonomy, etc.

The Juvenile Period: Some specialists have divided the period of socialization into 2 stages: primary (a relatively short period, in which the puppy acquires self control, learns to communicate) and the secondary socialization, known as the juvenile period. The primary socialization only lasts 9 weeks, but it is fundamental for the future dog's balance. The secondary socialization is given when the animal is older, if primary socialization has not been had. This second phase is much more difficult. The primary socialization develops during a period which is denominated as the sensitive period. During this stage the puppy has a great predisposition to learn, to discover the unknown without fear. The learning and memorization capacities are at their highest point. After this period, the criteria are not the same. The task of a good socialization belongs to the breeder; so that when the owner buys the puppy this has already been done. The puppy must relate itself with other dogs, puppies and adults, as well as animals from other species, like for example cats. All this will help the puppy to identify itself as a dog, which, between other things will prevent it from having its sexual conducts deviated. The dog will also have to relate itself with humans, adults and children, and know a series of stimuli, sound, objects, smells, etc.

The Factors of Variation: Some of the parameters that intervene in the development of the puppy are influenced by the medium where it lives and can influence their behavior as much smaller or greater measures.

Conditions of Life and Breeds: It is precise to consider the importance of the dog's living conditions and the necessities of each breed. No dog breeds are made to live on the floor, alone the whole day. Nevertheless, some breeds adapt themselves better than others to determined situations. A breed is not chosen by only basing ourselves on esthetic criteria or the trend of the moment. We have to ask ourselves if that breed will adapt to the future life we are about to offer them.

The Dog's Necessities: In a natural state, the dog needs to feed itself, reproduce and defend itself. In the context of domestic life, the dangers are few and the alimentary necessities are well covered. So that the dog is not disoriented because of this characteristic of domestication, it is convenient to give it something that can compensate for what is missing from its wild life. The relationships with the owner represent courage in this sense, as well as the games, the exercise and the function that it attributes. We must ask ourselves if we are in the condition of giving the animal all of this. We must never forget this aspect because if we choose the wrong dog, it is more likely to end up in the dog pound. Different Types of Dog Owners