Younger animals, especially puppies, need to acquire social skills if they’re to interact well with people and other pets. The first 3 to 4 months in a dog’s life are when he acquires self-confidence and learns good interpersonal skills. A well-socialized puppy grows into a happy, well-adjusted adult lacking in fear, timidity or aggression. As his owner, you can help this happen.
Welcome Home
Pets, like people, are happier if they’re made welcome. When you first bring your new puppy home, quietly and individually introduce him to everyone he’ll be living with. Ask each person to give him a small bit of treat after being introduced. An outstretched hand offering something nice helps build a positive bond between pet and people. Once you’ve taught your new friend to sit, you can control his jumping and barking by requiring him to be seated before he gets his treat. With these behaviors established, expand his circle of human friends. He should learn to be accepting of people no matter how differently they smell, move, look or sound.
Learning about Children
Children are a unique subset of people your pet should learn to positively interact with during his formative months. Running, screaming, bicycling and roller blading are behaviors a dog should become used to if he’s to enjoy being with kids. Take the time to introduce your puppy to the children around him.
Out and about
Once your puppy’s settled in, you should feel comfortable taking him out in public, to enjoy parks or the company of friends’ pets, where he’ll learn to interact with his peers. Older, settled pets make good role models. But first, introduce him to a few more new friends who’ll be an important part of his life by taking him to your veterinarian in Austin. Your veterinarian will ensure he’s well, his vaccinations are current and he’s ready to go out into the wider world. A relationship with a well-regarded veterinarian is essential to complete puppy and kitten wellness care.
How does your pet get along with others? How did you help him learn to do this?