Pet owners have the word ‘socialising’ thrown at them by vets and pet consultants all the time. Canine behaviourists cannot stress enough the importance of socialising one’s pet, especially dogs. This has many advantages; the most important one is that the pet becomes comfortable when encountering anything new and unfamiliar. The single most common cause of unprovoked dog aggression is attributed to the lack of proper socialisation.
So, what is socialisation and when does the process start? Canine behaviourist Natasha Chandy outlines the three aspects of socialising. “Socialising one’s dog means getting it used to different environments, people and animals. It starts when the puppy is between six weeks to five months old,” explains Natasha. As part of the socialising exercise, puppies go through a fear imprinting stage when it is very important to introduce them to a variety of stimuli and ensure that the experiences are positive.
Mumbai-based dog whisperer Tony Lobo describes socialising as a process during which ‘a baby is under its mother’s supervision’. “Devices like a choke chain or scolding a dog is no way of ensuring that your dog behaves in the correct manner. Only early socialising can ensure that one’s dog is comfortable in different situations and environs,” he says.
Socialising also contributes immensely to a dog’s mental health. Bengaluru-based dog trainer Namitha Malik of Tails of Wisdom says, “Socialising teaches a dog to ignore certain sounds that could otherwise make them anxious.” During socialising, dogs meet other dogs and Namitha points out, “What they don’t learn from us, they learn from other dogs.”
The first step towards socialising your dog is taking him with you wherever you go. Says Namitha, “Take your dog everywhere. They will learn to obey you even outside of your home.” Natasha adds, “Organise puppy parties. Encourage people to carry the pup and stroke it. Also, take your pup to a park, keep him on your lap and expose him to the different sights and sounds. Ask strangers to pet your puppy.” Socialising not only ensures that the dog bonds with his pet parent, but he also learns to trust the parent in different situations.