From Puppyhood to Adulthood: The Crucial Role of Socialisation in Dogs

The Importance of Socialisation for Canine Development

Dogs are social animals that thrive on interaction, both with humans and other dogs. The relationships they form with their human family can last a lifetime, and their ability to navigate social situations is critical for their well-being. Proper socialisation is the key to developing a well-adjusted dog who can confidently engage with the world around them. Without adequate exposure to different environments, people, and experiences during critical developmental periods, dogs may struggle with anxiety, fear, and problematic behaviours.

Understanding Canine Social Development

Canine social development begins even before birth and progresses through various stages, each playing a crucial role in shaping a dog’s future temperament and behaviour.

Prenatal Period (Before Birth)

Social development starts in the womb. Puppies are influenced by their mother’s experiences, including stress levels. While there is an enzyme that prevents excessive cortisol (the stress hormone) from reaching the puppies, extreme maternal stress can still affect their temperament, leading to anxious and nervous behaviour later in life (Serpell, Duffy, and Jagoe, 2016).

Neonatal Period (Birth to 2 Weeks)

During the neonatal stage, puppies rely on their mother for warmth, nourishment, and care. Their primary sense is touch, as their eyes and ears are not yet open. Research indicates that attentive mothering positively affects a puppy’s ability to socialise later in life (Foyer et al., 2013). Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) techniques, such as gentle handling by humans, have been found to improve stress resilience, immune function, and overall temperament (Battaglia, 2007; Swanson, 2017).

Transitional Period (12-20 Days)

This period marks significant physical and sensory changes, such as the opening of eyes and ears, tail wagging, and early vocalisations. As puppies begin to experience the world around them, they become more receptive to social interactions and environmental stimuli.

Socialisation Period (4-14 Weeks)

This is the most critical phase of social development. Puppies are highly impressionable, and experiences during this time shape their ability to adapt to new situations later in life. From around eight weeks old, puppies leave their littermates and enter new homes, where exposure to various people, animals, sounds, and environments should be carefully managed.

Breeders and new owners should introduce puppies to a range of experiences, ensuring positive associations. Encounters with new objects, people, and animals should be paired with treats, toys, or play to create positive reinforcement (Stolzlechner, Bonorand, and Riemer, 2022). This foundation helps puppies develop confidence and prevents fear-based reactions in adulthood (McEvoy et al., 2022).

Juvenile Period (12 Weeks to 6 Months)

As puppies approach adolescence, their ability to form stable social bonds continues. While some veterinarians advise keeping unvaccinated puppies away from other dogs, safe socialisation with fully vaccinated, calm dogs can be beneficial. Owners should expose their puppies to controlled social experiences, prioritising quality over quantity. Positive play interactions with well-mannered dogs reinforce proper canine communication skills (Howell, King, and Bennett, 2015).

The Consequences of Inadequate Socialisation

Poor socialisation can have long-lasting effects on a dog’s behaviour, welfare, and training. Some consequences include:

• Fear and Anxiety: Dogs that lack exposure to different environments may develop phobias and stress-related behaviours.

• Aggression: Improperly socialised dogs may respond aggressively to unfamiliar situations, people, or animals.

• Reduced Lifespan: Studies suggest a link between chronic stress, poor socialisation, and a shortened life expectancy (Dreschel, 2010).

• Rehoming and Euthanasia: Dogs with severe behavioural issues are more likely to be surrendered to shelters or euthanised (Marston, Bennett, and Coleman, 2004; Appleby, 2022).

Research by Freedman, King, and Elliot (1961) showed that puppies who were not exposed to human interaction before 14 weeks of age struggled to form normal bonds with people, highlighting the importance of early socialisation.

Preventing Socialisation Issues

1. Start Early: Begin handling puppies gently during the neonatal period to encourage comfort with human interaction.

2. Gradual Exposure: Introduce puppies to various people, sounds, environments, and animals in a controlled, positive manner.

3. Positive Reinforcement: Pair new experiences with treats, toys, or play to create positive associations.

4. Ongoing Socialisation: Socialisation should not stop at 14 weeks; regular exposure to new experiences throughout life prevents social regression.

5. Consider Individual Temperaments: Not all dogs are equally confident; tailor socialisation efforts to the puppy’s personality.

   

Continued Socialisation Throughout Life

Even well-socialised puppies can experience social regression if they are isolated later in life. The COVID-19 lockdowns demonstrated how even previously well-adjusted dogs could struggle with social situations after prolonged isolation. Owners should maintain their dog’s social skills by introducing new experiences and reinforcing positive associations with changing environments (Puurunen et al., 2020).

Conclusion

Socialisation is one of the most important aspects of a dog’s development. By ensuring a positive, well-rounded introduction to the world, owners can set their dogs up for a lifetime of confidence and adaptability. Investing time and effort into early and continuous socialisation helps prevent behavioural issues, strengthens the human-canine bond, and contributes to overall canine well-being.

References

Appleby, D., 2022. What Every Puppy Owner Needs to Know. In Companion Animal Behaviour Problems: Prevention and Management of Behaviour Problems in Veterinary Practice (pp. 93-104). GB: CABI.

Battaglia, C.L., 2007. Early neurological stimulation.

Foyer, P., Wilsson, E., Wright, D. and Jensen, P., 2013. Early experiences modulate stress coping in a population of German shepherd dogs. Applied animal behaviour science, 146(1-4), pp.79-87.

Freedman, D.G., King, J.A. and Elliot, O., 1961. Critical period in the social development of dogs. Science, 133(3457), pp.1016-1017.

Howell, T.J., King, T. and Bennett, P.C., 2015. Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, pp.143-153.

Marston, L.C., Bennett, P.C. and Coleman, G.J., 2004. What happens to shelter dogs? An analysis of data for 1 year from three Australian shelters. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 7(1), pp.27-47.

McEvoy, V., Espinosa, U.B., Crump, A. and Arnott, G., 2022. Canine socialisation: a narrative systematic review. Animals, 12(21), p.2895.

Puurunen, J., Hakanen, E., Salonen, M.K., Mikkola, S., Sulkama, S., Araujo, C. and Lohi, H., 2020. Inadequate socialisation, inactivity, and urban living environment are associated with social fearfulness in pet dogs. Scientific reports, 10(1), p.3527.

Serpell, J., Duffy, D.L. and Jagoe, J.A., 2016. Becoming a dog: Early experience and the development of behavior. The domestic dog: Its evolution, behavior and interactions with People, 2, pp.93-117.

Stolzlechner, L., Bonorand, A. and Riemer, S., 2022. Optimising Puppy Socialisation–Short-and Long-Term Effects of a Training Programme during the Early Socialisation Period. Animals, 12(22), p.3067.

Swanson, S. 2017. The effects of socialization on dogs. Park University. Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology College of Veterinary Science. Available at: https://krex.k-state.edu/bitstream/handle/2097/40961/SaraSwanson2020.pdf?sequence=3 Accessed: 05/02/2024