The importance of socialization
After watching a marathon of Animal Cops on tv in the wee hours this morning when I couldn't sleep, I once again must blog on the importance of socialization.
Time after time it was explained how a dog had to be euthanized due to the lack of socialization it had received in its' lifetime.
People I come in contact with wonder why dogs don't get along with other dogs, don't like children, only like women, or don't like men in hats. Although sometimes breed characteristics play a part, most of the time it is simple exposure.
I have even known dogs which start out unsocialized and by working slowly, in small increments, can be acclimated to social situations.
Unfortunately, I have known dogs in which no amount of work will ever help them become a party animal. Their tails will stay tucked and they will hover very close to their human.
This limits the number of homes which are available to them. Most people want a social companion. The time and effort spent on trying to socialize a dog which is already undersocialized can be enormous.
If you have a dog or are planning on adding one to your family, take them outside your home. Go to the dog park. Take them for walks or jogs in the neighborhood. Expose them to as much mental stimuli as possible.
It will keep them stimulated and happy. This will keep you happy. Then if something ever happens and the animal ends up in a shelter situation, it will make them much easier to place in a new home.
Time after time it was explained how a dog had to be euthanized due to the lack of socialization it had received in its' lifetime.
People I come in contact with wonder why dogs don't get along with other dogs, don't like children, only like women, or don't like men in hats. Although sometimes breed characteristics play a part, most of the time it is simple exposure.
I have even known dogs which start out unsocialized and by working slowly, in small increments, can be acclimated to social situations.
Unfortunately, I have known dogs in which no amount of work will ever help them become a party animal. Their tails will stay tucked and they will hover very close to their human.
This limits the number of homes which are available to them. Most people want a social companion. The time and effort spent on trying to socialize a dog which is already undersocialized can be enormous.
If you have a dog or are planning on adding one to your family, take them outside your home. Go to the dog park. Take them for walks or jogs in the neighborhood. Expose them to as much mental stimuli as possible.
It will keep them stimulated and happy. This will keep you happy. Then if something ever happens and the animal ends up in a shelter situation, it will make them much easier to place in a new home.
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