What is your definition of socialization for puppies?
Most people would say it’s something that we do with puppies to help create social adult dogs.
Is this correct or are we missing the mark?
What if I told you that I prefer to call it “Normalization", a process by which we are creating a library of experiences that are all normal. I struggle with accepting that the word “social” is the key take-a-way for a process that is actually designed to create a foundation of what is normal. Puppies All dogs need gentle and controlled exposure to the things that will be normal during their life with you. So let’s dive into what socialization NORMALIZATION is really all about.
Normalization is teaching your dog about all the things you want them to know is normal in life. This continues throughout their entire life. Yes, the time before 16 weeks of age is primed to be the peak of socialization, but that doesn’t mean we stop acclimating them to all that is normal for the rest of their life. Creating NORMAL is much less pressure than creating SOCIAL. Normal also allows us to create plans, structures, & baby steps.
Social seems to mean “I want my dog to be social.” This might mean you want feelings of enjoyment from your dog when interacting with others. But how do we create that? Do you have that? Are you social? How would I make you more social? Social is about emotions, comfort, choice, and so much more. Social comes after we create normal. We accidentally put too much pressure on creating social and end up forgetting about normal first.
Normal first, social second might look like watching a dog playgroup from a distance where your puppy can be comfortable and learn what is happening. Normal first might mean watching people walk by you and seeing the huge range of all that is normal without the risk of interaction or close contact.
The other half of this discussion would be that social implies that all interactions with people must be big social engagements, with petting, and treats, and all the attention they have to offer. Instead, it’s normal to walk past people without having to interact with them. It’s normal to walk past dogs without interacting with them. That means not pulling, barking, or reaching for people and dogs as they walk past us. That may be “social” behavior to try and greet those people/dogs, but its also not always appropriate and could lead to really bad outcomes. We want it to be normal to interact with some, ignore others, or just do your own thing.
What does this mean?? If you get a new puppy or dog, the best way to start is to make a list of the activities that you want the dog to join you in. Start there. Start with activities and then define the where, who, when, or how? Will you encounter people on bikes? People on skateboards? What about canes or walkers? What about kids running around? Buses? Trains? Weird noises? Weird textured things to walk over? These are all things that are normal but do need exposure and time for acclimation. Normalizing these things is more important to long term comfort and understanding than being social.