They Are Our Companions Not Teddy Bears

Pets such as cats, dogs, birds and fish has been became our long-life friends since centuries. They play with us, mourn with us, refresh our minds from the turmoil of the modern life. But do we give what these animals deserve? Today many pets suffer from not socializing enough which blocks their fundemantal development at the early stages of their lives.

Sadly, perception of pets has changed over the last 20 years drastically. Rather than long-life friend, they became an accessoire on our lives today. Many people, especially the rich, buy these animals from breeders to tuck in their bags to show them off as a sign of prestige. Moreover this kind of desires met with supply by the breeders who turned living beings into products. Even they are not as smart as humans it does not change the fact, breeders and owners forget about psychology and value of the animals as a living being.

Therefore, owners and breeders should care about psychology of these animals since they also need, just like us, socialization. First of all adopt, dont buy. Buying pets means supporting this kind of business model which leads to even more exploit of the breeders. The most important period would be earliest stage of these animals. There’s a short period in a puppy’s development, from very early puppyhood to three or four months of age, when their experiences have a big effect on their entire approach to life. If they have lots of positive encounters with other dogs, all kinds of humans, and new situations during that developmental window, they’re far more likely to grow up to be a confident, relaxed, and friendly dog.

Puppies who aren’t socialized can grow up to be fearful of other dogs, people, and just about anyone and anything outside of their routine — and that fear can lead to aggression. Studies show that poor socialization is a major factor for dogs with aggressive tendencies. Although puppyhood is the prime time for socialization, it’s not the only time. Even a dog who had a hopping social life in their youth can become less friendly over time if they’re isolated during adulthood. If your adult dog didn’t get enough socialization growing up, you may still improve their social skills; although, an adult’s personality is more fixed than a puppy’s.

Sometimes when we adopt, we don’t really have a say in how long a dog can spend time with their biological family. But if you have the option, don’t take a puppy away from their mother and littermates before eight weeks of age. Interactions with their moms and siblings teach young puppies a lot about getting along with other dogs. If you take your puppy away from their canine family too early, you may do permanent damage to their social skills.

Obedience classes, dog park romps, and playdates with your friends’ dogs will help your puppy learn how to get along with other canines. If you have shelter-in-place orders or the dog parks and canine classes near you have closed down, consider fostering an older, more relaxed dog who has more experience. They may provide your puppy with some companionship, but always make sure the dogs meet first and get along. For puppies, playing with other puppys has another, even more important, benefit: it teaches them not to bite humans.

Moreover, if your dog gets regular exposure to humans of all stripes, especially in puppyhood, they’re less likely to be fearful or aggressive. Experts recommend throwing “puppy parties” to expose a young puppy to lots of different people when they’re learning how to behave around humans. You can also have your dog make friends with the mail carrier and your neighbors, and take them to cafes or to work.

Teaching your puppy to be dog and people-friendly is possibly your most important job as a dog parent. It keeps people safe around your dog, and since aggressive dogs often get put down, it keeps your dog safe around people. Give your pup regular exposure to dogs and all kinds of people, especially during puppyhood, and you’re more likely to have a confident, sociable dog.